Church News and Eventshttps://www.lds.org/tools/rss?lang=eng&uri=/church/news
Thu, 21 Feb 2019 10:54:16 -0700
Seventy Shares 3 Ways for Staying Cheerful and Trusting the Lord
https://www.lds.org/church/news/seventy-shares-3-ways-for-staying-cheerful-and-trusting-the-lord?lang=eng
<p>Quoting Dr. Huang, Elder Kopischke said, “When I was looking for my faith, I was expecting a miracle to help me see the light, but God knew that I would not have believed in miracles, so what He did was put people in my life to show me the truth of the gospel. And I believe in people.”<li dir="ltr">Listen to the prophet.</li><li dir="ltr">Keep the commandments and your covenants.</li><li dir="ltr">Walk with the Lord; follow Him.</li><li dir="ltr">Love the scriptures.</li><li dir="ltr">Have families, multiply, and enjoy your life.</li><li dir="ltr">Prepare for bad times.</li><li dir="ltr">Educate yourself; obtain skills.</li><li dir="ltr">Love the temple.</li><li dir="ltr">Be diligent; work hard.</li><li dir="ltr">Protect and cherish political freedom and freedom of religion.</li><li dir="ltr">Serve in the Church.</li><li dir="ltr">Jesus is the Christ, our Savior and Redeemer.</li><li dir="ltr">We can sustain His living prophets and be blessed.</li><li dir="ltr">The temple is the house of the Lord.</li>Why do the most treasured blessings often go together with the most severe trials?By holding to these three directives to follow divine law and truth, live after the manner of happiness, and stand firm in holy places, “you will always be right,” Elder Kopischke concluded. “You will come to know our Savior, Jesus Christ. He is willing to guide you along if you allow Him to do so.”
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Elder Erich W. Kopischke speaks at a devotional at BYU–Hawaii on Tuesday, February 19, 2019. Photo by Yongtong Chen, BYU–Hawaii.</p>
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Extending an invitation to students to test the laws and truths of the gospel for themselves, Elder Kopischke promised students that by doing so, they would come to a sure knowledge of their truth and power.“Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come” (<a href="/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/87.8?lang=eng#7" target="_blank">Doctrine and Covenants 87:8</a>).<b>1. Hold on to divine law and absolute truth</b>Sharing a message from President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/russell-m-nelson?lang=eng">Russell M. Nelson</a>, which he had given to General Authorities during his first year as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Kopischke explained how understanding God’s eternal laws and truths can help individuals more clearly navigate the difficulties that confront them.Sharing the story of a man named Dr. Richard Huang, Elder Kopischke related how Dr. Huang had lived most of his life as an atheist and never felt he had a satisfactory answer for the purpose of life. One day, deciding he needed to do something different to find an answer to his question, he requested a free copy of the Bible from the Church. As Elder Kopischke noted, Dr. Huang figured that if atheism couldn’t give him an answer, perhaps an answer could be found through theism.A short time after, two sister missionaries showed up on his doorstep to deliver his requested copy of the Bible. They began teaching him and eventually a friend began inviting him to church as well.<b>3. “Stand ye in holy places”</b>“Eternal truths are ‘things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come.’ They never change; they are totally predictable and reliable,” Elder Kopischke said. “Some people call these laws the laws of nature, but we know that they are a part of the eternal laws of God. He created and organized the universe, including our earth and our nature, by applying these laws. Because these laws are eternal, they are absolute and they can be proven. They will bless us if we follow them. And so it is with all truth and with all laws that come from God.”That’s the question Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/erich-w-kopischke?lang=eng">Erich W. Kopischke</a>, General Authority Seventy, asked as he began his address on Tuesday, February 19, at a devotional on the campus of BYU–Hawaii.Joseph Smith, the prophet of the Restoration, endured some of the most difficult trials of anyone in the restored Church, Elder Kopischke noted, detailing accounts of the Prophet being tarred and feathered and his time at Liberty Jail. But despite his trials, the Prophet Joseph Smith shared profound statements of inspiration throughout his ministry, which served to lift and support others in their trials. Elder Erich W. Kopischke mingles with attendees following his devotional address at BYU–Hawaii on Tuesday, February 19, 2019. Photo by Yongtong Chen, BYU–Hawaii.In his address, Elder Kopischke alluded to the idea that it is through great suffering that great happiness can best be understood and appreciated. And focusing on the many concerns and questions that individuals have when faced with struggles and trials in their lives, he offered three suggestions to help individuals stay cheerful and trust in Heavenly Father, even during the most difficult phases of life.“After five months’ imprisonment in Liberty Jail, the innocent Prophet Joseph Smith shared this powerful conviction: ‘Therefore, dearly beloved brethren [and sisters], let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed,’” Elder Kopischke said.“Let me assure you that despite your trials—even if you are having heart-wrenching questions or experiencing periods of doubt—you can be happy,” he said. “Decide consciously to press forward on the covenant path and live the gospel of Jesus Christ even in times when you might not have all the answers. As you do so, you will be blessed, and you will be happy.” Elder Erich W. Kopischke and his wife, Sister Christiane Kopischke, speak with President and Sister Tanner following his devotional address at BYU–Hawaii on Tuesday, February 19, 2019. Photo by Yongtong Chen, BYU–Hawaii.<b>2. “Live after the manner of happiness”</b> Elder Erich W. Kopischke greets students following his devotional address at BYU–Hawaii on Tuesday, February 19, 2019. Photo by Yongtong Chen, BYU–Hawaii.He shared three truths that he noted can act as a “compass of clarity amid the fog of life” for those looking to follow the Lord:Happiness is not always as straightforward as one might hope, Elder Kopischke clarified, noting that trials often come even when people are living righteously.“Make a conscious decision to live after the manner of happiness,” Elder Kopischke said, introducing his second suggestion. He then shared 11 principles that can help keep individuals living in the way described in 2 Nephi in the Book of Mormon:He continued, “I never thought I would ever end up being [a member of the Church]. But what I have found is I have a sense of purpose. It is to become better, to become more like Christ. And now, to me, my faith is everything, and I am so happy that I made that realization.”While the most holy place on earth is the temple, or house of the Lord, Elder Kopischke shared that holy places can be found or made where individuals can study and ponder the scriptures, pray, and simply try their best to live worthy of the spiritual blessings of God. “If you stand firm in those holy places, striving for the companionship of the Holy Ghost, you will never falter,” he said, noting that the world will certainly make it difficult at times.<b>An example of blessings and trials</b>His third and final suggestion for staying cheerful and trusting in Heavenly Father comes as a directive from the Lord, Elder Kopischke said.“Living the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ just makes us happy,” he said.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/seventy-shares-3-ways-for-staying-cheerful-and-trusting-the-lord?lang=eng#3171215236Thu, 21 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Behind the Pipes: Salt Lake Tabernacle Organist Reflects on Memorable Moments of 36-Year Career
https://www.lds.org/church/news/behind-the-pipes-salt-lake-tabernacle-organist-reflects-on-memorable-moments-of-36-year-career?lang=eng
<p>Later, at age 33, Christiansen would forsake the position at St. Mark’s to become one of the three full-time Tabernacle organists, replacing the retiring Roy Darley and joining Robert Cundick and John Longhurst.He’d already begun to make his mark as an organist for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, playing organ at age 19 in the Church’s Young Artists Music Festival. Tabernacle organist Clay Christiansen, now retired, plays the organ inside of the Tabernacle on Temple Square. He says he wants to teach more now that he’s retired. Photo by Adam Fondren, Deseret News.Looking forward, retirement plans for Christiansen include returning to teaching—a beloved endeavor for which he hasn’t had time since his days at St. Mark’s—spending time with his sizable posterity that includes 60 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and indulging his passion for vegetable gardening.Thus began nearly 36 years of a tenure in which no two days were the same.Now, on this eve of Easter Sunday, he had stayed a bit too long in the historic building, rehearsing for his next recital. When he finally did leave and approached the Temple Square west gate, he was stunned to find it locked with not a soul around to open it for him.And last year in April, after 36 years, Christiansen joined those men on the roster of former Tabernacle organists when he retired. On Friday, February 22, former students and colleagues—including current Tabernacle organists Richard Elliott, Andrew Unsworth, Brian Mathias, Linda Margetts, and Bonnie Goodliffe—will honor Christiansen with a performance in the Tabernacle.“I was his last master’s candidate in organ performance at the University of Utah,” Christiansen said.The appointment four years later at the cathedral gave him not only “the income to help raise a burgeoning family, but a place also of quality to teach organ and piano and to hold my student recitals.”Christiansen was employed at the time as the cathedral’s organist and choirmaster.<strong>A Tabernacle organist</strong>“I would ride my bike to Dixon Junior High in Provo and, after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, would pedal over to lower campus where his studio and classes were,” Christiansen recalled. “I joined the college kids for those organ classes in addition to my private lessons.”In addition to playing for the Church's general conference sessions and the funerals for Presidents Gordon B. Hinckley and Thomas S. Monson, another career highlight for Christiansen was his involvement with fellow Tabernacle organists John Longhurst and Richard Elliott in the selection and design of the organ for the Conference Center, completed in 2000. Carried on between 2000 and 2003, the organ construction and installation were chronicled in a book Longhurst wrote called <em>Magnum Opus.</em>“There is the duty of maintaining this unique, daily recital series that we have here,” he said, a tradition of nearly 100 years in which each full-time organist plays two days a week.<strong>If you go …</strong>No one seemed to be bothered by a Latter-day Saint occupying the organist’s post at an Episcopal cathedral.<strong>Web:</strong> <a href="https://www.thetabernaclechoir.org/events/clay-christiansen-tribute-concert.html">thetabernaclechoir.org</a>“Then, of course, there’s accompanying the Tabernacle Choir and playing for the unique <a href="http://www.musicandthespokenword.com/"><em>Music and the Spoken Word</em></a> broadcast.”<strong>How much:</strong> Free, no tickets required; for ages 8 and upOne day, while he was teaching an organ lesson in the rear loft at St. Mark’s, veteran Tabernacle organist Cundick appeared and asked to speak with him. “We’ve received permission to appoint another Tabernacle organist, and we would like to have you,” he said.Beyond that, Christiansen was on the Musical Instruments Selection Committee at Church headquarters, approving builders or vendors of organs and pianos at meetinghouses around the world.But the celebrated organist’s influence reached Christiansen long before that. Born February 28, 1949, Christiansen spent the first 13 years of his life in the small, southeastern Utah town of Emery, where he “was always attracted to music and to the sound of choir, particularly the Tabernacle Choir when [he] would hear it over the radio.” Schreiner’s renowned organ virtuosity was inseparable from the choir’s broadcasts at that time.“That was an unprecedented space in which to put a pipe organ of that size and sort,” he said. “We didn’t know how successful it would be, but it has really surpassed our dreams and even those of the organ builder. That instrument is the only thing that can function in that building without being amplified through the PA system.”And then there’s the new organ in his home, a digital, state-of-the-art instrument custom-built by a friend in Southern California. “That will allow me to stay in shape so I can keep playing, helping out occasionally for noon recitals and other engagements.”“I have the duty of approving organists to play various events and concerts in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square, as well as organists here in the Tabernacle for special concerts,” he said. “And we all audition the guest organists who are eventually called to help with the noon recitals.”Along the way, he attained a doctorate in organ composition from the University of Utah. Much of the work, in fact, involved composing and arranging pieces for the broadcast and other purposes—one of his many published pieces is the Latter-day Saint hymn “<a href="https://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/in-fasting-we-approach-thee?lang=eng">In Fasting We Approach Thee</a>.”“I’m panicking, thinking if I’m not at St. Mark’s when the Easter service starts, I’ll be in deep trouble,” he recalled in a recent interview while seated next to the Tabernacle’s organ console. “I looked up at those gates, thinking, ‘They’re a little high to scale.’ Finally, security came and let me out.”His father, Rellus, died when Christiansen was 13, and his mother, Lila, took him and his four younger sisters to Provo so she could attend Brigham Young University. There, Christiansen began to study organ with Joseph J. Keeler, a luminary in the Latter-day Saint music world who established the organ program at BYU. He also composed the music for the Latter-day Saint hymn “<a href="https://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/men-are-that-they-might-have-joy?lang=eng">Men Are That They Might Have Joy</a>.”He even put on a local radio program, “Concert from St. Mark’s,” during the last 5 of his 10 years as organist there.<strong>When:</strong> Friday, February 22, 7:30 p.m.“I think they respected it,” he said, adding that at social gatherings in the fellowship hall, they watched out for him, making sure he knew which was the nonalcoholic punch bowl.Also on that impressive roster of past Tabernacle organists is the legendary Alexander Schreiner, a mentor of Christiansen’s.<strong>What:</strong> Clay Christiansen Tribute Organ Concert“The dean of the cathedral, the Very Rev. Robert M. Anderson, was a great guy with a sense of humor,” he said. “He referred to me as ‘the Mormon apostle to the Gentiles.’”Christiansen also served members of the Jewish faith, as organist for Congregation Kol Ami during the first five years of their then-new synagogue in Salt Lake City, 1977–1982. His wife, Diane, even sang in the choir on their High Holy Days.“I knew it was a half-hour or so before I would be needed at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral for a service at midnight, when all the lights come on after a long Easter vigil service that didn’t have any music in it.”About this time, the brand-new instrument at St. Mark’s in Salt Lake City was the talk of the organists’ community in Utah. The cathedral organist invited Keeler to send up one of his students to play a recital, and that privilege went to Christiansen.By the time the organist position became open at the cathedral, Christiansen had done some substituting there. He was interviewed by a search committee and at age 23 got the job, playing his first recital as organist five years to the day since he had played his student recital there.<strong>Where:</strong> Tabernacle, Temple Square Tabernacle organist Clay Christiansen sits at the organ inside of the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City on Monday, April 9, 2018. He retired that month after 36 years. Photo by Adam Fondren, Deseret News.While an undergraduate at the school, he played piano for a longstanding dance band, the Bud Hutchings Orchestra, from 1970 to 1971.<strong>Serving the community</strong> Retired Tabernacle organist Clay Christiansen sits at the organ inside of the Tabernacle on Temple Square. Photo by Adam Fondren, Deseret News.Piano lessons helped nurture Christiansen’s musical aspirations.Years in advance of his September 15, 1982, appointment as one of the three Salt Lake Tabernacle organists, Christiansen had already established a frequent presence in the Tabernacle as a guest artist filling in for the principal organists on some of the daily noon recitals presented free to tourists.This was in 1968, when the Vietnam War was in full engagement, and, in consequence of the military draft, the Church was restricted in the number of young missionaries who could be sent out. So while a sophomore at BYU, Christiansen elected to marry his sweetheart, Diane Francom, in the Salt Lake Temple on June 12 of that year and start a family of 13 children, 12 of whom are living today.“Schreiner was a great inspiration,” he continued. “After I began teaching, I would always leave that noon slot free, and I would come over here and sit behind him while he played his recital. Then we’d go back to the organists’ room, which is now a janitor’s closet, and chat for a while until he was through, and then we would part company. And so I had the chance not only to absorb his musical ideas through watching him but to be taught by him as well.”He would commute to Provo to continue the lessons after the family moved first to Salt Lake City and then to Morgan. After graduating from Morgan High School, he enrolled at BYU and continued learning from Keeler.Clay Christiansen was on the verge of desperation—the kind that makes a person contemplate crazy things like trying to scale one of the gates of Temple Square.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/behind-the-pipes-salt-lake-tabernacle-organist-reflects-on-memorable-moments-of-36-year-career?lang=eng#1765922461Thu, 21 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
How to Watch RootsTech 2019 Salt Lake City Remotely
https://www.lds.org/church/news/how-to-watch-rootstech-2019-salt-lake-city-remotely?lang=eng
<p> Attendees enter the Expo Hall during the RootsTech family history conference on Saturday, March 3, 2018. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.
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<p align="center"><strong>Time (MST)</strong></p>
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<p align="center"><strong>Class Title</strong></p>
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<p align="center"><strong>Class Description</strong></p>
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<p align="center"><strong>Speaker or Speakers</strong></p>
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<p align="center"><strong>Wednesday, February 27, 2019</strong></p>
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<p align="center">9:30 a.m.</p>
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<p align="center">What’s New at FamilySearch?</p>
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<p align="center">Explore the latest features and capabilities released on FamilySearch. See the future of FamilySearch.</p>
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<p align="center">Ron Tanner of FamilySearch</p>
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<p align="center">11:00 a.m.</p>
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<p align="center">Hear Them Sing! Social History and Family Narrative</p>
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<p align="center">Discover how the addition of social history enhances family narratives and clarifies the songs of our ancestors. She will discuss how to contextualize ancestors’ lives with social history research.</p>
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<p align="center">Rebecca Whitman</p>
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<p align="center">1:30 p.m.</p>
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<p align="center">Uncovering Family Stories with British and Irish Historic Newspapers (Sponsored by Findmypast)</p>
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<p align="center">Search the numerous digitized collections of millions of pages of local and national historic newspapers, covering 300 years of history from every county in Britain and Ireland.</p>
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<p align="center">Myko Clelland</p>
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<p align="center">3:00 p.m.</p>
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<p align="center">Connecting Your DNA Matches</p>
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<p align="center">Find out how to go through your DNA match list and how to use the Shared Matches tool. Learn how to create and employ a number of tools to boost your confidence in your genetic genealogy skills.</p>
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<p align="center">Diahan Southard</p>
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<p align="center">4:30 p.m.</p>
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<p align="center"><strong>Wednesday General Session and Opening Event</strong></p>
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<p align="center">Explore the connections that come through genealogy. Entertainment will be provided by the world-renowned a cappella group The Edge Effect.</p>
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<p align="center">Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch International</p>
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<p align="center"><strong>Thursday, February 28, 2019</strong></p>
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<p align="center">8:30 a.m.</p>
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<p align="center">Making the Leap—Becoming a Professional Genealogist (Power Hour)</p>
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<p align="center">Explore how to make a successful transition from hobbyist to a career as a professional. Learn about the importance of diversifying your talents, and discover the ways to earn income as a genealogist.</p>
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<p align="center">Luana Darby, Valerie Elkins, and Anne Teerlink</p>
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<p align="center">9:30 a.m.</p>
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<p align="center">Finally! German Church Records and How to Use Them on FamilySearch</p>
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<p align="center">Explore the German Church records that are now being published on FamilySearch. These are records rich in centuries of history and contain baptisms, marriages, burials, and even confirmations.</p>
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<p align="center">Trish Melander</p>
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<p align="center">11:00 a.m.</p>
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<p align="center"><strong>Thursday General Session</strong></p>
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<p align="center">Nobody knows family quite like Emmy Award-winning actress Patricia Heaton. Known for her humorous roles as a typical American housewife in big hit television series like <em>Everybody Loves Raymond</em> and <em>The Middle.</em></p>
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<p align="center"><strong>Patricia Heaton</strong></p>
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<p align="center">1:30 p.m.</p>
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<p align="center">What You Don’t Know about Ancestry (Sponsored by Ancestry)</p>
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<p align="center">Preview Ancestry’s cool new tools that are geared to improve and accelerate your family history research.</p>
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<p align="center">Crista Cowan</p>
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<p align="center">3:00 p.m.</p>
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<p align="center">“Jumping the Broom,” Oil, Inheritance, and African American Marriage in the South</p>
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<p align="center">Explore the tradition of jumping the broom, the informal marriage ceremony for the enslaved.</p>
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<p align="center">Kenyatta Berry</p>
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<p align="center">4:30 p.m.</p>
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<p align="center">Perilous Assumptions: Revisiting Those First Finds</p>
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<p align="center">Despite the best of intentions, many family history researchers make incorrect assumptions about records that don’t quite fit. Explore false assumptions, revisiting those mistakes and the family history discoveries that may await.</p>
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<p align="center">Kris Rzepczynski</p>
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<p align="center"><strong>Friday, March 1, 2019</strong></p>
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<p align="center">8:00 a.m.</p>
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<p align="center">Why and How to Put Yourself into Your Family History (Power Hour)</p>
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<p align="center">Explore why putting yourself into your family history is so important. Learn how you can include yourself without getting overwhelmed.</p>
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<p align="center">Curt Witcher, Amy Johnson Crow, and Scott Fisher</p>
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<p align="center">9:30 a.m.</p>
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<p align="center">Essential Considerations for DNA Evidence</p>
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<p align="center">Learn how to use DNA evidence correctly and correlated with documentary evidence and examine some of the considerations, limitations, and pitfalls we should consider when using DNA evidence.</p>
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<p align="center">Blaine Bettinger</p>
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<p align="center">11:00 a.m.</p>
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<p align="center"><strong>Friday General Session</strong></p>
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<p align="center">Perhaps no one knows the joy that comes from connecting with family better than Saroo Brierley. Saroo will share his remarkable story of how he used technology to reconnect with the land of his childhood and rediscover his family.</p>
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<p align="center"><strong>Saroo Brierley</strong></p>
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<p align="center">1:30 p.m.</p>
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<p align="center">Getting the Most Out of Billions of Records on MyHeritage SuperSearch (Sponsored by MyHeritage)</p>
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<p align="center">One of the best ways to maximize MyHeritage is to host your tree at MyHeritage, where the systems will automatically help you find new records, fill gaps in your existing tree, and provide matches.</p>
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<p align="center">Mike Mansfield</p>
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<p align="center">3:00 p.m.</p>
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<p align="center">Discover Your Japanese Ancestors</p>
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<p align="center">Learn how to find your Japanese ancestors in Japan. Discover how to obtain your family’s vital records from Japan and climb your family tree.</p>
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<p align="center">Valerie Elkins</p>
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<p align="center">4:30 p.m.</p>
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<p align="center">The Research Road Map: Your Path to Success</p>
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<p align="center">Why having a research plan is more than making a to-do list. See how having a good plan is essential to making progress in your research and making it less frustrating.</p>
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<p align="center">Amy Johnson Crow</p>
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<p align="center"><strong>Saturday, March 2, 2019</strong></p>
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<p align="center">8:00 a.m.</p>
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<p align="center">Trace the Story of Immigrant Ancestors in 3 Steps (Power Hour)</p>
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<p align="center">Explore three key steps to unlocking the story of your immigrant ancestors with the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society.</p>
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<p align="center">Susan Miller, D. Joshua Taylor, and Frederick Wertz </p>
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<p align="center">9:30 a.m.</p>
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<p align="center">Examining Your DNA Matches with DNA Painter</p>
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<p align="center">DNA Painter is a website that can help interpret and demystify your autosomal DNA results. Using practical examples, Learn how DNA Painter can be used for a variety of activities, including chromosome mapping.</p>
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<p align="center">Jonny Perl</p>
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<p align="center">11:00 a.m.</p>
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<p align="center"><strong>Saturday General Session</strong></p>
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<p align="center">World-renowned ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro will be the keynote speaker. Get ready to hear Jake’s inspiring story, and listen to the one-of-a-kind ukulele musician play the instrument like you’ve never heard it before.</p>
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<p align="center"><strong>Jake Shimabukuro</strong></p>
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<p align="center">1:30 p.m.</p>
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<p align="center">Leading with Science at 23andMe (Sponsored by 23andMe)</p>
</td><td>
<p align="center">Walk through how research works at 23andMe and how you can contribute to scientific discoveries.</p>
</td><td>
<p align="center">Sarah Lashkey</p>
</td></tr><tr><td>
<p align="center">3:00 p.m.</p>
</td><td>
<p align="center">The Silent Language of the Stones: Reading Gravestones through Symbols and Carvings</p>
</td><td>
<p align="center">Symbols and icons have been used on tombstones for centuries, but it was not until the mid-1800s that this secret language on the stones became popular. Explore these symbols and statues that tell stories.</p>
</td><td>
<p align="center">Joy Neighbors</p>
</td></tr></tbody>
Attendees walk through the booths of the Expo Hall during RootsTech family history conference in Salt Lake City on Saturday, March 3, 2018. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News. Attendees walk through the halls during the RootsTech family history conference in Salt Lake City on Saturday, March 3, 2018. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.Some of the show’s sessions will be streamed live for free at <a href="https://www.rootstech.org/salt-lake">RootsTech.org</a> (see the broadcast schedule below). If you want more, you can purchase a <a href="http://www.rootstech.org/salt-lake/virtual-pass-2019?cid=tp-rt-6557">virtual pass</a> to view additional sessions from the conference.If you are unable to attend <a href="https://www.rootstech.org/?cid=RT18_LAN_head">RootsTech 2019</a> in Salt Lake City, you have two remote viewing options.Browse the RootsTech 2019 Salt Lake City schedule below.In addition to the select free classes broadcasted, RootsTech is offering a <a href="https://www.rootstech.org/salt-lake/virtual-pass-2019?cid=tp-rt-6557">virtual pass</a>, which provides access to 18 online recorded sessions from the conference. You can watch playbacks from your laptop, tablet, or smartphone device whenever and however you’d like—for just $129. Go to <a href="https://www.rootstech.org/salt-lake/virtual-pass-2019?cid=tp-rt-6557">virtual pass</a> for more information.If you’re social media savvy, you can follow or join real-time conversations happening on social media using #NotAtRootsTech.The RootsTech daily general sessions will be broadcast live and for free. They include keynote addresses by <a href="https://www.rootstech.org/video/general-session-2018-steve-rockwood">Steve Rockwood</a>, CEO of FamilySearch International; <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/emmy-award-winning-actress-patricia-heaton-to-keynote-rootstech-2019?lang=eng">Patricia Heaton</a>, popular actress from <em>Everybody Loves Raymond</em> and <em>The Middle</em>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/man-who-inspired-the-movie-lion-to-keynote-rootstech-2019?lang=eng">Saroo Brierley</a>, whose incredible family reunification story inspired the movie <em>Lion</em>; and <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/viral-ukulele-musician-jake-shimabukuro-to-keynote-rootstech-2019?lang=eng">Jake Shimabukuro</a>, world-renowned ukulele master.RootsTech 2019 in Salt Lake City runs February 27 to March 3, 2019. Go to <a href="https://www.rootstech.org/schedule">RootsTech.org</a> to view the entire schedule of events.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/how-to-watch-rootstech-2019-salt-lake-city-remotely?lang=eng#3829151812Thu, 21 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Missionary from Utah Serving in Dominican Republic Dies after Fall from Apartment Building Roof
https://www.lds.org/church/news/missionary-from-utah-serving-in-dominican-republic-dies-after-fall-from-apartment-building-roof?lang=eng
<p>
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/20/350-missionary-from-utah-serving-in-dominican-republic-dies-afte_2.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
<figcaption>
<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Elder Brennan Conrad, 18, of Hyde Park, Utah, holds the country flag of the Dominican Republic, having been called to serve in the Dominican Republic Santo Domingo East Mission. Elder Conrad passed away Wednesday, February 20, 2019, after falling from the roof of his apartment building. Photo courtesy of the Conrad family.</p>
</figcaption>
An 18-year-old missionary from Utah serving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Dominican Republic passed away Wednesday morning after falling from the roof of his apartment building.Elder Brennan Conrad, of Hyde Park, Utah, was serving in the Dominican Republic Santo Domingo East Mission at the time of the incident.“Our deepest condolences go out to his family,” said Church spokesman Daniel Woodruff in releasing the details to the media. “We pray they will be comforted as they deal with this tragedy and mourn Elder Conrad’s passing.“
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/20/350-missionary-from-utah-serving-in-dominican-republic-dies-afte_3.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
<figcaption>
<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Elder Brennan Conrad, 18, of Hyde Park, Utah, passed away Wednesday, February 20, 2019, after falling from the roof of his apartment building. He was serving at the time as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Dominican Republic Santo Domingo East Mission. Photo courtesy of the Conrad family.</p>
</figcaption>
</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/missionary-from-utah-serving-in-dominican-republic-dies-after-fall-from-apartment-building-roof?lang=eng#962094632Wed, 20 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Keynote Speakers and Entertainers for RootsTech 2019 Announced
https://www.lds.org/church/news/keynote-speakers-and-entertainers-for-rootstech-2019-announced?lang=eng
<p><a href="https://www.rootstech.org/salt-lake">RootsTech 2019</a>, the world’s largest family history conference, announced its full lineup of keynote speakers and entertainers, including <a href="https://saroobrierley.com/">Saroo Brierley</a>, <a href="https://www.rootstech.org/blog/3-interesting-facts-about-patricia-heaton">Patricia Heaton</a>, <a href="http://derekhough.com/">Derek Hough</a>, <a href="http://jakeshimabukuro.com/">Jake Shimabukuro</a>, and <a href="https://www.rootstech.org/video/general-session-2018-steve-rockwood">Steve Rockwood</a>.Emmy Award-winning actress Patricia Heaton takes the stage on Thursday to share stories of faith and family. Heaton is most recognized for her role as Deborah Barone on the hit sitcom <em>Everybody Loves Raymond</em> (1996–2005) and more recently as Frankie Heck in <em>The Middle</em> (2009–2018). Heaton is also the author of two books. Her most recent, a recipe book, is <em>Patricia Heaton’s Food for Family and Friends: 100 Favorite Recipes for a Busy, Happy Life</em>, and her humorous collection of essays about life and family, published in 2003, is <em>Motherhood and Hollywood: How to Get a Job Like Mine</em>.<a href="http://derekhough.com/">Derek Hough</a>, professional ballroom dancer and choreographer, will perform during the Friday evening event, <em>Connecting through Music and Dance</em>. Hough is widely recognized for his work on the ABC dance-competition series <em>Dancing with the Stars,</em> where he has won a record six seasons.<strong>Young adult after-party</strong>RootsTech, hosted by FamilySearch, is a global conference celebrating families across generations, where people of all ages are inspired to discover and share their memories and connections. This annual event has become the largest of its kind in the world, attracting tens of thousands of participants worldwide.RootsTech 2019 offers more than 300 classes and activities for families and individuals with varying interests and skills. Select classes will be <a href="https://www.rootstech.org/salt-lake/live-stream-schedule">broadcast live</a>. RootsTech also offers a <a href="https://www.rootstech.org/salt-lake/virtual-pass-2019?cid=tp-rt-6557">virtual pass</a>, which provides access to additional online recorded sessions from the conference. Learn more or register for the event at <a href="https://www.rootstech.org/salt-lake">RootsTech.org</a>.On Saturday, March 2, world-renowned ukulele musician and composer <a href="http://jakeshimabukuro.com/">Jake Shimabukuro</a> will take the stage. Shimabukuro’s records have repeatedly topped <em>Billboard</em> world music charts. Shimabukuro will speak about his efforts to honor his heritage through music and will perform live for the RootsTech audience.<strong>Classes</strong>RootsTech 2019 kicks off on Wednesday, February 27, with classes on topics such as DNA research, photo preservation, and using social media to preserve family legacies. Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch International, will be the featured keynote speaker on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. mountain standard time.<strong>Keynote speakers</strong>Fueled by the popularity of DNA genealogy, social networking platforms, and related mobile apps, RootsTech 2018 had over 50,000 in-person and online attendees. Hosted by FamilySearch International, this year’s conference will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah, February 27 through March 2, and select content is broadcast live online.<strong>About RootsTech</strong><a href="https://saroobrierley.com/">Saroo Brierley</a>, whose story is recounted in the international bestselling autobiography <em>A Long Way Home</em>, will be the featured keynote speaker on Friday, March 1. Brierley’s remarkable family reunification story was depicted in the 2016 film <em>Lion</em>.Following the closing event on Friday, March 1, featuring Derek Hough and the BYU Ballroom Dance Team, young adults who attended the conference as well as others are encouraged to join Hough beginning at 7 p.m. for an after-party, where they can connect through music, dance, and games, comedy, and service opportunities. The event is free and registration is not required. <a href="https://www.lds.org/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/20/Young_Adult_After_Party_Flyer_8.5x11.pdf?lang=eng">Learn more</a>.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/keynote-speakers-and-entertainers-for-rootstech-2019-announced?lang=eng#62629673Wed, 20 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Initiative Begins to Digitally Preserve Ontario’s Historical Vernon Directories
https://www.lds.org/church/news/initiative-begins-to-digitally-preserve-ontarios-historical-vernon-directories?lang=eng
<p><strong>About FamilySearch</strong>The mandate of Library and Archives Canada is to preserve the documentary heritage of Canada for the benefit of present and future generations and to be a source of enduring knowledge accessible to all, thereby contributing to the cultural, social, and economic advancement of Canada. Library and Archives Canada also facilitates cooperation among communities involved in the acquisition, preservation, and diffusion of knowledge and serves as the continuing memory of the Government of Canada and its institutions. Follow Library and Archives Canada on <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__email.prnewswire.com_wf_click-3Fupn-3DIx6O9V0QEvgdesCrrLBOc-2D2FmQ-2D2BIo9Pcj6yZo3VRAqST-2D2BuTl85Os0wr6AbHhyyDXdw0gFXyHkY-2D2BQKbT7x4URoO-2D2BaBPhLrvPmG-2D2FXPCS4dtZ0qqhKoahKb0FHZGxiqlgtpp37o2XDpgb2EQpM6F1XcbhTCqytO26iKEs3FI261U2U6hCcPJpC1YArOJ0U2bcxpZGD7VvQixpErmjaNN-2D2BfP37zhxT0tg2i4GVQnBsdcvlltoIQt4PbuX1cHfEDilL46-2D2Ftq4655crTWhXo3d6vHdJP8Q-2D3D-2D3D-5ForG4EvjNcWyMLWPLZyI3UT-2D2FtZya6HVxx92fqxn-2D2Fb-2D2FdS9t75NKwIaIc22l-2D2B2M1SqIB1AW9UpWSVyMQ1KnBiTjc0q-2D2BBbQAHsSAceeG32GK4-2D2BxSf59m3rN5XzIn9nhtn7KqicPq0RUlCeWy3vJQ7LOCTBT9bqYt54QNtKmqmCVCySvk5Os6FyUjCtbTNe37Co5E0LZgtWmQ49dxsXNW-2D2FJsYm1v8S2jp6kQL7JrXDB971LpirnyGWkOmk4si70rYnWfRn4Y3Qy7mmABaLUbcIMV2FDci58BSF4j-2D2FHVMlkSjLXAeg7how77jt7IA-2D2F8KEdCnDB&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=z0adcvxXWKG6LAMN6dVEqQ&amp;r=0tF3exFSBpR3tjAVI4uml2tP7VlzlhCsSZWGnZALfNY&amp;m=6JD-JEL3SZBaiQaeZbhW-1WBTTTBal4zRTFjZrAwbOE&amp;s=XSZ0d887OpGrTso_YGQlUYI_ic4AA47RgaC4VcdGX9k&amp;e=" target="_blank">Twitter</a> (@LibraryArchives), <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__email.prnewswire.com_wf_click-3Fupn-3DIx6O9V0QEvgdesCrrLBOc-2D2FmQ-2D2BIo9Pcj6yZo3VRAqST-2D2BuTl85Os0wr6AbHhyyDXdw0gFXyHkY-2D2BQKbT7x4URoO-2D2BaBPhLrvPmG-2D2FXPCS4dtZ0qqhKoahKb0FHZGxiqlgtpp37o2XDpgb2EQpM6F1XcbhTCqytO26iKEs3FI261U2U6hCcPJpC1YArOJ0U2bcxpZGD7VvQixpErmjaNN-2D2BfP37zmJRYpKgwOx6xIrBZ7TYnVGvWCpH9PLw0w8RmZuimNPz9shAWWMaIikh-2D2F9VC-2D2FMwjlA-2D3D-2D3D-5ForG4EvjNcWyMLWPLZyI3UT-2D2FtZya6HVxx92fqxn-2D2Fb-2D2FdS9t75NKwIaIc22l-2D2B2M1SqIB1AW9UpWSVyMQ1KnBiTjc0q-2D2BBbQAHsSAceeG32GK4-2D2BxSf59m3rN5XzIn9nhtn7KqicPq0RUlCeWy3vJQ7LOCTBT9bqYt54QNtKmqmCVCySvDb-2D2F6p40e-2D2B3FEWBi8it89oreFf174GLxHFJU-2D2FzNCn2MWTiLdgWvpQoThlXGYwF8wPkZIZtGjzqbVw-2D2BedhAHa-2D2FZN9Og8xcoqi-2D2B3kBt6e9mrTgiUJEf8KvSFqTIpK5y2iURQ1BNUtiKNuysvHv-2D2B3bDel&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=z0adcvxXWKG6LAMN6dVEqQ&amp;r=0tF3exFSBpR3tjAVI4uml2tP7VlzlhCsSZWGnZALfNY&amp;m=6JD-JEL3SZBaiQaeZbhW-1WBTTTBal4zRTFjZrAwbOE&amp;s=v3jWwuQgrOeC51WmuWIvePGqL6U6g-hr6m-5EqN57hg&amp;e=" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__email.prnewswire.com_wf_click-3Fupn-3DIx6O9V0QEvgdesCrrLBOc-2D2FmQ-2D2BIo9Pcj6yZo3VRAqST-2D2BuTl85Os0wr6AbHhyyDXdw0gFXyHkY-2D2BQKbT7x4URoO-2D2BaBPhLrvPmG-2D2FXPCS4dtZ0qqhKoahKb0FHZGxiqlgtpp37o2XDpgb2EQpM6F1XcbhTCqytO26iKEs3FI261U2U6hCcPJpC1YArOJ0U2bcxpZGD7VvQixpErmjaNN-2D2BfP37zntck3FIZDlRSjQWJkXu11J-2D2BKsGlJwEK1flTycENKg9dwjRzFnibph81O8OmMmafcg-2D3D-2D3D-5ForG4EvjNcWyMLWPLZyI3UT-2D2FtZya6HVxx92fqxn-2D2Fb-2D2FdS9t75NKwIaIc22l-2D2B2M1SqIB1AW9UpWSVyMQ1KnBiTjc0q-2D2BBbQAHsSAceeG32GK4-2D2BxSf59m3rN5XzIn9nhtn7KqicPq0RUlCeWy3vJQ7LOCTBT9bqYt54QNtKmqmCVCySvC64gr1EqPoKMb-2D2FEtvjhCwGGOLUHx-2D2BMDNbphDlmJXSDlElXZf1UlBrQ6-2D2FS8Yd-2D2FkALy0juUPTJA7oAI25uLCi1zYyk7HMl0YYFo43iqXTvxdtwovfSCFq1rHEvjP-2D2BCunynUR5YUlT5Rs6rY8Dorc5nZ&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=z0adcvxXWKG6LAMN6dVEqQ&amp;r=0tF3exFSBpR3tjAVI4uml2tP7VlzlhCsSZWGnZALfNY&amp;m=6JD-JEL3SZBaiQaeZbhW-1WBTTTBal4zRTFjZrAwbOE&amp;s=1EVhwlMoZVcP9xhxgIkdD7Hc8mLNUzrnBltH78avU_0&amp;e=" target="_blank">Flickr</a>, and <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__email.prnewswire.com_wf_click-3Fupn-3DIx6O9V0QEvgdesCrrLBOc-2D2FmQ-2D2BIo9Pcj6yZo3VRAqST-2D2BuTl85Os0wr6AbHhyyDXdw0gFXyHkY-2D2BQKbT7x4URoO-2D2BaBPhLrvPmG-2D2FXPCS4dtZ0qqhKoahKb0FHZGxiqlgtpp37o2XDpgb2EQpM6F1XcbhTCqytO26iKEs3FI261U2U6hCcPJpC1YArOJ0U2bcxpZGD7VvQixpErmjaNN-2D2BfP37zgycj-2D2FaZ5Z7xPVui8PRBemh3ynhiOCJHU1KJ2rVBz35alxbHuaCd0-2D2ByAReJE69PViQ-2D3D-2D3D-5ForG4EvjNcWyMLWPLZyI3UT-2D2FtZya6HVxx92fqxn-2D2Fb-2D2FdS9t75NKwIaIc22l-2D2B2M1SqIB1AW9UpWSVyMQ1KnBiTjc0q-2D2BBbQAHsSAceeG32GK4-2D2BxSf59m3rN5XzIn9nhtn7KqicPq0RUlCeWy3vJQ7LOCTBT9bqYt54QNtKmqmCVCySvxHc3AJYB-2D2BXjO4z60j1FyPza6tvekXcrF-2D2F7ab5rSmLy-2D2BD8ixxs2vAtOzixts-2D2FprV8xc0oUA7yrL8m2FJxHSkhUyiI7SmbwK-2D2BJWg-2D2Bh2rdZxuMXaMGJ3yw5RjcfC-2D2F6Y915pg9Yu6UP4wdP8e-2D2Fsci4-2D2BhT&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=z0adcvxXWKG6LAMN6dVEqQ&amp;r=0tF3exFSBpR3tjAVI4uml2tP7VlzlhCsSZWGnZALfNY&amp;m=6JD-JEL3SZBaiQaeZbhW-1WBTTTBal4zRTFjZrAwbOE&amp;s=_QoT6QsqCx1LbyY4WxpchsaDpuognJju8FFwwpa0WzE&amp;e=" target="_blank">YouTube</a>.FamilySearch International is the largest genealogy organization in the world. FamilySearch is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Millions of people use FamilySearch records, resources, and services to learn more about their family history. To help in this great pursuit, FamilySearch and its predecessors have been actively gathering, preserving, and sharing genealogical records worldwide for over 100 years. Patrons may access FamilySearch services and resources free online at FamilySearch.org or through over 5,000 family history centers in 129 countries, including the main Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.The Ontario Genealogical Society, an Ontario registered nonprofit corporation and a registered Canadian charity, is Canada’s largest member-supported genealogical organization. Founded in 1961, with the vision of being recognized as the authority and leader in all aspects of Ontario-related family history research, preservation, and communication, the mission of the OGS is to encourage, bring together, and assist those interested in the pursuit of family history and to preserve Ontario’s genealogical heritage. Visit their website at <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__email.prnewswire.com_wf_click-3Fupn-3DIx6O9V0QEvgdesCrrLBOc-2D2FmQ-2D2BIo9Pcj6yZo3VRAqST-2D2BuTl85Os0wr6AbHhyyDXdw0gFXyHkY-2D2BQKbT7x4URoO-2D2BaBPhLrvPmG-2D2FXPCS4dtZ0qqhKoahKb0FHZGxiqlgtpp37o2XDpgb2EQpM6F1XcbhTCqytO26iKEs3FI261U2U6hCcPJpC1YArOJ0U2bcxpZGD7VvQixpErmjaNN-2D2BfP37znojI-2D2F8XKxNNkV8pIONgzMccFVpFstGVsB1YYHsVrtQonCPK5NRf52pzXSTBy-2D2F93tQ-2D3D-2D3D-5ForG4EvjNcWyMLWPLZyI3UT-2D2FtZya6HVxx92fqxn-2D2Fb-2D2FdS9t75NKwIaIc22l-2D2B2M1SqIB1AW9UpWSVyMQ1KnBiTjc0q-2D2BBbQAHsSAceeG32GK4-2D2BxSf59m3rN5XzIn9nhtn7KqicPq0RUlCeWy3vJQ7LOCTBT9bqYt54QNtKmqmCVCyStBPRulpdftmITS1H7dYnNIXH37J5bNQ-2D2FYarmbWwNV-2D2BwOoVK-2D2FxPDVyqsezU-2D2BRsBAh1xx1cAbvKMUgrox-2D2F7thsshgq6mlctIcxk9FGCPJQm9pXvf9RombyOI5ZRSc5P9XD1Y4cuEGqEAuZuPPtW09AEt&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=z0adcvxXWKG6LAMN6dVEqQ&amp;r=0tF3exFSBpR3tjAVI4uml2tP7VlzlhCsSZWGnZALfNY&amp;m=6JD-JEL3SZBaiQaeZbhW-1WBTTTBal4zRTFjZrAwbOE&amp;s=0as1sXI0YPZ77YT84YqPQglJlbkluj3ACzApzUjDKVM&amp;e=" target="_blank">https://ogs.on.ca</a> for more information.<strong>About the Ontario Genealogical Society</strong><span style="clear:both;"><span style="clear:both;">The <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__email.prnewswire.com_wf_click-3Fupn-3DIx6O9V0QEvgdesCrrLBOc-2D2FmQ-2D2BIo9Pcj6yZo3VRAqST-2D2BuTl85Os0wr6AbHhyyDXdw0gFXyHkY-2D2BQKbT7x4URoO-2D2BaBPhLrvPmG-2D2FXPCS4dtZ0qqhKoahKb0FHZGxiqlgtpp37o2XDpgb2EQpM6F1XcbhTCqytO26iKEs3FI261U2U6hCcPJpC1YArOJ0U2bcxpZGD7VvQixpErmjaNN-2D2BfP37zjnavB2zgyyr41IWKALyFTSo4uJ7YiluyfYrtKq77xQkVqXSrNqwu4gzBwVLK-2D2BAHmw-2D3D-2D3D-5ForG4EvjNcWyMLWPLZyI3UT-2D2FtZya6HVxx92fqxn-2D2Fb-2D2FdS9t75NKwIaIc22l-2D2B2M1SqIB1AW9UpWSVyMQ1KnBiTjc0q-2D2BBbQAHsSAceeG32GK4-2D2BxSf59m3rN5XzIn9nhtn7KqicPq0RUlCeWy3vJQ7LOCTBT9bqYt54QNtKmqmCVCySuBHOLKY8ayNiFrRckWOYcRcgmQfpGe7ymCESXDLmLJIU3LoVkGk4piAATkR12L5gePhz12as-2D2BxIF9HUZy89sUIY-2D2B5sXTdVXE6dXsoPBuAdVhLY-2D2B7Sr7h4VqtOEY9IxYulD5QzD6cu6OFPqHiE9JqN0&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=z0adcvxXWKG6LAMN6dVEqQ&amp;r=0tF3exFSBpR3tjAVI4uml2tP7VlzlhCsSZWGnZALfNY&amp;m=6JD-JEL3SZBaiQaeZbhW-1WBTTTBal4zRTFjZrAwbOE&amp;s=ORvY0LUFqW6BDnOtennQUllZB41pkMAnCb0LDI-MvYg&amp;e=">Ontario Genealogical Society</a> (OGS) and <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__email.prnewswire.com_wf_click-3Fupn-3DIx6O9V0QEvgdesCrrLBOc-2D2FmQ-2D2BIo9Pcj6yZo3VRAqST-2D2BuTl85Os0wr6AbHhyyDXdw0gFXyHkY-2D2BQKbT7x4URoO-2D2BaBPhLrvPmG-2D2FXPCS4dtZ0qqhKoahKb0FHZGxiqlgtpp37o2XDpgb2EQpM6F1XcbhTCqytO26iKEs3FI261U2U6hCcPJpC1YArOJ0U2bcxpZGD7VvQixpErmjaNN-2D2BfP37zm4xr-2D2BU4-2D2BgVWfHu0XScJwAZdpCw1HtTWAfjAtV8G2mLwzYt1-2D2Fo-2D2FpNvuZWLY8IiVBnw-2D3D-2D3D-5ForG4EvjNcWyMLWPLZyI3UT-2D2FtZya6HVxx92fqxn-2D2Fb-2D2FdS9t75NKwIaIc22l-2D2B2M1SqIB1AW9UpWSVyMQ1KnBiTjc0q-2D2BBbQAHsSAceeG32GK4-2D2BxSf59m3rN5XzIn9nhtn7KqicPq0RUlCeWy3vJQ7LOCTBT9bqYt54QNtKmqmCVCySu5US-2D2B67y3hfu3d3o8b4AFmu6FjQPjsh1xB8kb-2D2F4LiCTCBlAtgEVo-2D2FiHw3r6i5vcTSFlqOnUZFXClHXRCiV2FjTR58kgOtJX2qA76rzA5o0kYFf3I6fiOrBUcHq7Tde12LbTHPfsSIjCeCc1QEh6otd&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=z0adcvxXWKG6LAMN6dVEqQ&amp;r=0tF3exFSBpR3tjAVI4uml2tP7VlzlhCsSZWGnZALfNY&amp;m=6JD-JEL3SZBaiQaeZbhW-1WBTTTBal4zRTFjZrAwbOE&amp;s=JOQTt6dMzMZiA6lLz3CfjHqvvdFTC1xGXhLfr8MHnOs&amp;e=">Library and Archives Canada</a> (LAC) are working with <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__email.prnewswire.com_wf_click-3Fupn-3DIx6O9V0QEvgdesCrrLBOc-2D2FmQ-2D2BIo9Pcj6yZo3VRAqST-2D2BuTl85Os0wr6AbHhyyDXdw0gFXyHkY-2D2BQKbT7x4URoO-2D2BaBPhLrvPmG-2D2FXPCS4dtZ0qqhKoahKb0FHZGxiqlgtpp37o2XDpgb2EQpM6F1XcbhTCqytO26iKEs3FI261U2U6hCcPJpC1YArOJ0U2bcxpZGD7VvQixpErmjaNN-2D2BfP37zuQyrAeT26bHZwUqoOCl18kUx6oAMCsI3BD16nlJBzP4-2D2FuRRIe-2D2BKvwwEynsn3IKabw-2D3D-2D3D-5ForG4EvjNcWyMLWPLZyI3UT-2D2FtZya6HVxx92fqxn-2D2Fb-2D2FdS9t75NKwIaIc22l-2D2B2M1SqIB1AW9UpWSVyMQ1KnBiTjc0q-2D2BBbQAHsSAceeG32GK4-2D2BxSf59m3rN5XzIn9nhtn7KqicPq0RUlCeWy3vJQ7LOCTBT9bqYt54QNtKmqmCVCySsYOpVhQqU5j8k-2D2BD4iOXSnAIS67bWooT4g7vBFTCFOQeAFE5hU6ceMOlzN5Zf-2D2FFCQmT0VIhURF68CsJKozm0X7bGRBJa5omF32bvAZAsExss16daBLQFINlD6iXVo5faeHrTxKX8Wr7H1pX-2D2FdLhDQVF&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=z0adcvxXWKG6LAMN6dVEqQ&amp;r=0tF3exFSBpR3tjAVI4uml2tP7VlzlhCsSZWGnZALfNY&amp;m=6JD-JEL3SZBaiQaeZbhW-1WBTTTBal4zRTFjZrAwbOE&amp;s=seSokCKnWc6yshY7pOyfroDTjoCum6V5Mejdt4Yjprs&amp;e=">FamilySearch International</a> to digitize the historical Vernon directories for the province of Ontario. The initiative will begin immediately to preserve and make the directories freely searchable online for family historians, researchers, and Canadians.</span></span>
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<p><span style="clear:both;"><span style="clear:both;">Vernon directories were published yearly, by city, from the 1890s to 2014, except 2010, when the company’s ownership changed. They cover most of Ontario, including the province’s capital city of Toronto. The name “Vernon directories” is derived from the name of the publisher. The initiative will encompass an estimated 1,875 directories.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="clear:both;"><span style="clear:both;">OGS approached Vernon to request rights to digitize the historical publications. The publisher granted noncommercial permission to digitize the directories. The nonprofit organization FamilySearch quickly emerged as a logical partner, namely due to its optical character recognition scanning technology that will make every word searchable. As well, OGS approached LAC for the project, as LAC holds one of the biggest collections of Vernon directories in Ontario. In addition to providing access to its collection, LAC will be hosting the digitization project.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="clear:both;"><span style="clear:both;">According to Steve Fulton, UE, president of the Ontario Genealogical Society, the directories are a rich resource for researchers because “they list the names of local residents, their spouses, addresses, and sometimes even an individual’s title or position held at work.” Fulton explained that the directories were personally helpful to him in trying to determine when his grandfather passed away. “Through the directories, I determined he died between 1956 and 1957. I was then able to turn to newspaper obituaries for the area at that time to find him.”</span></span></p>
<p><span style="clear:both;"><span style="clear:both;">This project will allow OGS and LAC to offer a very complete collection of directories for Ontario. The intent is also to reach out to local libraries for any missing directories that might be found in their collections.</span></span></p>
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<span style="clear:both;"><strong>About Library and Archives Canada</strong></span></p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/initiative-begins-to-digitally-preserve-ontarios-historical-vernon-directories?lang=eng#1949823435Wed, 20 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
2019 Mission Presidents Called to Australia, Poland, Mexico, and More
https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-australia-poland-mexico-and-more?lang=eng
<p>Brother Ence is an Area Seventy and a former stake president, stake presidency counselor, stake Young Men president, stake Young Men presidency counselor, bishop, and missionary in the New Zealand Auckland Mission. He was born in St. George, Utah, to John Harmon Ence and Janice Esplin Ence.<strong>Jeffrey N. Redd</strong>, 61, and <strong>Janeen D. Redd</strong>, five children, La Habra Ward, Fullerton California Stake: México Aguascalientes Mission, succeeding President Francisco J. Hernández Rivero and Sister Kini Marcelo de Hernández. Brother Cristales is an elders quorum president and institute teacher and a former stake president, stake presidency counselor, bishop, and missionary in the Colombia Barranquilla Mission. He was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala, to Miguel Ángel Cristales López and Nicolaza Archila Carranza.<strong>Kenya Nairobi Mission</strong><img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/14/new-mission-leaders_8.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Khumbulani and Futhi Mdletshe</p>
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Brother Thomas is a mission presidency counselor and a former stake presidency counselor, high councilor, bishop, Gospel Doctrine teacher, ward mission leader, and missionary in the Argentina Buenos Aires South Mission. He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Gordon Kent Thomas and Mary Catherine Center Thomas.Sister Pangan is a stake Young Women presidency counselor and a former stake Relief Society president and presidency counselor, ward Relief Society and Primary president, ward Relief Society presidency counselor, and Sunday School teacher. She was born in Legazpi City, Philippines, to Gonzalo Luna Mantes and Nemesia Marjalino Locsin.<strong>Honduras San Pedro Sula West Mission</strong>Sister Richter is a ward Relief Society president and a former ward Primary president, stake Young Women presidency counselor, public affairs director, and Sunday School teacher. She was born in Flagstaff, Arizona, to Arthur Richard VanderStek and Grace Hattie Bruss.<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/14/new-mission-leaders_16.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Carlos and Silvia Vergara de Zepeda</p>
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<strong>Ernest K. Richter</strong>, 62, and <strong>Jane A. Richter</strong>, eight children, Boerne Ward, San Antonio Texas La Cantera Stake: Chile Concepción Mission, succeeding President Nelson Catala and Sister Liang-Fan Catala. Brother Goaslind is a temple sealer and a former stake president, stake presidency counselor, high councilor, bishop, elders quorum president, and missionary in the Italy Padova Mission. He was born in Salt Lake City to Jack H Goaslind and Gwen Caroline Bradford Goaslind.<strong>Chile Concepción Mission</strong>Brother Zepeda is a Sunday School teacher and a former stake president, stake presidency counselor, bishop, branch president, bishopric counselor, and missionary in the México Veracruz Mission. He was born in México City, México, to Nazario Zepeda Peña and Carmen Reynaga Irayola.<strong>Christopher L. Thomas</strong>, 49, and <strong>Sheryn L. Thomas</strong>, four children, Saddle Ranch Ward, Highlands Ranch Colorado Stake: México México City Northwest Mission, succeeding President Daniel D. De Leon and Sister Evelia De Leon. Brother Olson is a former stake presidency counselor, stake mission president, bishopric counselor, elders quorum president, ward Young Men president, Sunday School teacher, and missionary in the Argentina Buenos Aires South Mission. He was born in Salt Lake City to Earl Eidswold Olson and Verene Ellen Stott Olson.Sister Thomas is a former ward Relief Society president, Young Women adviser, ward family history consultant, Primary teacher, and seminary teacher. She was born in Fullerton, California, to Charles Vermeule Lippincott and Bonnie Jean Lippincott.<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/14/new-mission-leaders_2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> David L. and Stacy A. Chandler</p>
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Brother Glazier is a ward Young Men presidency counselor and a former bishop, bishopric counselor, ward Young Men president, stake clerk, and missionary in the Florida Fort Lauderdale Mission. He was born in Van Nuys, California, to Stewart Elwood Glazier and Sandra Lee Rushton Glazier.<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/14/new-mission-leaders_15.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> N. Edwin and Cheryl A. Weathersby</p>
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<strong>Giovanni P. Pangan</strong>, 46, and <strong>Nenette Pangan</strong>, two children, Legazpi Ward, Legazpi Stake: Philippines Iloilo Mission, succeeding President Hermenegildo Cruz and Sister Emily Cruz. <img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/14/new-mission-leaders_14.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Jana Lee and G. Blake Wahlen</p>
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Sister Glazier is a ward Primary president and a former stake and ward Primary presidency secretary and Sunday School teacher. She was born in Salt Lake City to Raymond Andersen and Nancy Sue Bolton Andersen.<strong>G. Blake Wahlen</strong>, 60, and <strong>Jana Lee Wahlen</strong>, six children, Adams Park Ward, Layton Utah East Stake: Canada Vancouver Mission, succeeding President President Chi Hong (Sam) Wong and Sister Carol Lu Wong. <img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/14/new-mission-leaders_11.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Jeffrey N. and Janeen D. Redd</p>
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<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/14/new-mission-leaders_13.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Sheryn L. and Christopher L. Thomas</p>
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<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/14/new-mission-leaders_4.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> J. Kevin and Debbie Ence</p>
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Sister Redd is a stake Young Women president and a former ward Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary president and a ward Relief Society and Young Women presidency counselor. She was born in Gooding, Idaho, to Ken Dixon and Dixie Gardner Dixon.Sister Allred is a Primary teacher and a former ward Young Women presidency counselor, Young Women adviser, and Gospel Doctrine teacher. She was born in Mt. Pleasant, Utah, to Michael Robert Lund and Mildred Rebecca Lasson Lund.<strong>Arizona Tempe Mission</strong>Brother Pangan is a stake president and a former stake presidency counselor, branch president, high councilor, bishopric counselor, institute teacher, and missionary in the Philippines Cebu Mission. He was born in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines, to Benjamin Valledor Pangan and Catalina Penaso Pelin.<strong>Canada Vancouver Mission</strong>The following new mission presidents and their wives have been called by the First Presidency. They will begin their service in July of 2019. Biographies of other mission presidency couples will be published throughout 2019 on <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news?lang=eng">news.lds.org</a>. (<a href="https://www.lds.org/search?lang=eng&amp;domains=news-and-events&amp;query=new+2019+mission+presidents+site%252525253awww.lds.org%252525252fchurch%252525252fnews">See other published biographies</a>.)<strong>Philippines Iloilo Mission</strong><img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/14/new-mission-leaders_12.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Jane A. and Ernest K. Richter</p>
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Sister Goaslind is a stake temple and family history coordinator and a former stake Primary presidency counselor; ward Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary presidency counselor; and Primary activity days leader. She was born in Hamilton, New Zealand, to Richard Irving Knaphus and Barbara Joyce Jones.Sister Chandler is a Relief Society teacher and stake seminary supervisor and a former stake Young Women president, stake Young Women and Primary presidency counselor, stake Young Women camp director, ward Relief Society president, and missionary in the Poland Warsaw Mission. She was born in Provo, Utah, to Steven Lynn Sorenson and Susan Lucille Taylor Sorenson.<strong>Ecuador Guayaquil West Mission</strong><strong>N. Edwin Weathersby</strong>, 62, and <strong>Cheryl A. Weathersby</strong>, four children, Pinnacle Vista Ward, Phoenix Arizona Desert Hills Stake: New Mexico Albuquerque Mission, succeeding President Timothy B. Guffey and Sister Kandis M. Guffey. Sister Ence is a Church-service missionary and temple ordinance worker and a former stake Young Women and Primary presidency counselor, ward Primary president, Young Women adviser, and Gospel Doctrine teacher. She was born in St. George, Utah, to Howard Clark Houston and Mary Grace Houston.<strong>México Aguascalientes Mission</strong>Sister Cristales is a stake Primary president and a former ward Primary president, ward Relief Society and Young Women presidency counselor, family history center director, seminary teacher, and Sunday School teacher. She was born in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, to Arturo Pimentel and Maria Celeste Cobaquil García.<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/14/new-mission-leaders_6.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Daryl S. and Amy Glazier</p>
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<strong>Alabama Birmingham Mission</strong><strong>Craig S. Olson</strong>, 63, and <strong>Kris Olson</strong>, five children, Brentwood Ward, Idaho Falls West Stake: Ecuador Guayaquil West Mission, succeeding President Rosendo Santos Camargo and Sister Maria del Rosario Mercado de Santos. <img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/14/new-mission-leaders_10.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Nenette and Giovanni P. Pangan</p>
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<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/14/new-mission-leaders_5.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Scott and Lori L. Featherstone</p>
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Sister Wahlen is a regional public affairs director and a former stake Young Women presidency counselor, ward Primary president, ward Young Women presidency counselor, Sunday School teacher, and institute teacher. She was born in Ogden, Utah, to John Beus and Fay Hadley Beus.<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/14/new-mission-leaders_3.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Gustavo A. and Videlmina Cristales</p>
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<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/14/new-mission-leaders_7.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Mark B. and Sherrie K. Goaslind</p>
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<strong>México México City Northwest Mission</strong>Brother Weathersby is a Sunday School teacher and a former stake president, bishop, branch president, and stake Young Men president. He was born in Safford, Arizona, to Neuel Junior Weathersby and Clarissa Jane Knudsen Weathersby.Sister Weathersby is a Sunday School teacher and a former seminary teacher, temple ordinance worker, ward Relief Society compassionate service leader, and nursery leader. She was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Kay Brunt Steele and Maxine Ruth Thomas Steele.Brother Wahlen is a regional public affairs director and a former stake president, high councilor, stake Young Men presidency counselor, bishop, bishopric counselor, institute teacher, and missionary in the Canada Calgary Mission. He was born in Fort Ord, California, to George Edward Wahlen and Melba Holley Wahlen.<strong>New Mexico Albuquerque Mission</strong>Brother Richter is an elders quorum presidency counselor and stake self-reliance specialist and a former stake president, stake presidency counselor, high councilor, bishop, and missionary in the Bolivia La Paz Mission. He was born in Brawley, California, to Roy Fred Richter and Louise Adelaide Clark.<strong>Washington Vancouver Mission</strong>Sister Olson is a former stake Young Women presidency secretary, ward Primary president, ward Relief Society and Young Women presidency counselor, Young Women adviser, and Primary activity days leader. She was born in Salt Lake City to Horace Legrande Lewis and Shirley Laura Lewis.Brother Chandler is a stake president and a former bishop, bishopric counselor, elders quorum presidency counselor, and missionary in the Poland Warsaw Mission. He was born in Provo, Utah, to Timothy Kent Chandler and Ann Elizabeth Simmons Chandler.<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/14/new-mission-leaders_9.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Kris and Craig S. Olson</p>
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Sister Featherstone is a Sunday School teacher and a former Young Women general board member, stake Young Women presidency counselor, stake Young Women camp director, ward Young Women and Primary president, and Young Women adviser. She was born in Twin Falls, Idaho, to Larry Marvin Christensen and Bonnie Kay Welch Christensen.<strong>J. Kevin Ence</strong>, 63, and <strong>Debbie Ence</strong>, seven children, St. George 16th Ward, St. George Utah East Stake: Australia Brisbane Mission, succeeding President Mark E McSwain and Sister Yvonne McSwain. Brother Featherstone is a ward Young Men presidency counselor and a former stake president, stake presidency counselor, high councilor, bishop, bishopric counselor, ward Young Men president, and missionary in the Arizona Holbrook Mission. He was born in Boise, Idaho, to Vaughn J. Featherstone and Merlene M Miner Featherstone.Sister Zepeda is a ward Young Women presidency counselor and a former stake Primary presidency counselor, ward Relief Society and Primary president, ward Relief Society presidency counselor, Gospel Doctrine teacher, and Relief Society teacher. She was born in Pachuca, México, to Bartolome Vergara Morales and Aurora Vite Rojas.Brother Allred is a Sunday School teacher and a former stake president, stake presidency counselor, bishop, ward Young Men president, and missionary in the England London East Mission. He was born in Mt. Pleasant, Utah, to Jennis Blaine Allred and Dellene Anderson.<strong>Mark B. Goaslind</strong>, 59, and <strong>Sherrie K. Goaslind</strong>, seven children, River Oaks 4th Ward, West Jordan Utah River Oaks Stake: Arizona Tempe Mission, succeeding President Spencer Christensen and Sister Carolyn T Christensen. <strong>Gustavo A. Cristales</strong>, 53, and <strong>Videlmina Cristales</strong>, four children, Monte María Ward, Guatemala City Mariscal Stake: Honduras San Pedro Sula West Mission, succeeding President Douglas R. Bush and Sister Ann Bush. Brother Mdletshe is an Area Seventy and a former mission presidency counselor, stake presidency counselor, stake Young Men president, high councilor, branch president, bishopric counselor, and missionary in the England London South Mission. He was born in Kwa Mashu, South Africa, to Soka John Mdletshe and Qondeni Florence Mdletshe.<strong>Chad W Allred</strong>, 59, and <strong>Melanie Allred</strong>, four children, Nelson Peak Ward, Erda Utah Stake: Alabama Birmingham Mission, succeeding President Stanford C. Sainsbury and Sister Melanee Sainsbury. <img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/14/new-mission-leaders_1.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Chad W and Melanie Allred</p>
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<strong>México Hermosillo Mission</strong><strong>Scott Featherstone</strong>, 61, and <strong>Lori L. Featherstone</strong>, six children, East Mill Creek 7th Ward, Salt Lake East Mill Creek North Stake: Washington Vancouver Mission, succeeding President Dennis A. McAteer and Sister Susan McAteer. <strong>Carlos Zepeda</strong>, 60, and <strong>Silvia Vergara de Zepeda</strong>, two children, Saucillo Ward, Pachuca México Centro Stake: México Hermosillo Mission, succeeding President Shaun S. Myers and Sister Christina L. Myers. <strong>Khumbulani Mdletshe</strong>, 54, and <strong>Futhi Mdletshe</strong>, four children, Florida 1st Ward, Soweto South Africa Stake: Kenya Nairobi Mission, succeeding President S. Ephraim Msane and Sister Nomthi Msane. <strong>Australia Brisbane Mission</strong><strong>David L. Chandler</strong>, 47, and <strong>Stacy A. Chandler</strong>, six children, Pinehurst Ward, Fayetteville North Carolina West Stake: Poland Warsaw Mission, succeeding President Mateusz Turek and Sister Adrienne Turek. Sister Mdletshe is a Sunday School teacher and a former ward Relief Society and Primary president and ward Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary presidency counselor. She was born in Durban, South Africa, to Siphiwe Emmanual Hlongwane and Gcinaphi Getrude Hlongwane.Brother Redd is an elders quorum president and a former stake presidency counselor, bishop, YSA branch president, ward mission leader, institute teacher, Sunday School teacher, and missionary in the Peru Lima North Mission. He was born in Los Angeles, California, to Earl William Redd and Rose Marie Robinson Redd.<strong>Poland Warsaw Mission</strong><strong>Perú Limatambo Mission</strong><strong>Daryl S. Glazier</strong>, 47, and <strong>Amy Glazier</strong>, five children, Hobble Creek 6th Ward, Springville Utah Hobble Creek West Stake: Perú Limatambo Mission. </p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-australia-poland-mexico-and-more?lang=eng#2973395769Wed, 20 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Four Missionaries Injured in Serious Car Accident in New Caledonia Are Expected to Recover
https://www.lds.org/church/news/four-missionaries-injured-in-serious-car-accident-in-new-caledonia-are-expected-to-recover?lang=eng
<p>All four missionaries, serving in the Vanuatu Port Vila Mission, are expected to recover from the collision, during which at least one of the three people in the other vehicle died, said Church spokesman Daniel Woodruff.The missionaries involved in the accident are Elder Jacob Hable from Jakarta, Indonesia; Elder Jérémie Champoux from Drummondville, Canada; Elder Gordon Kimball from Bluffdale, Utah; and Elder Atepa Temaiana from Mo’orea, French Polynesia.Four missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were injured in a serious car accident on Saturday, February 16, on the island of New Caledonia.“We invite people of faith everywhere to pray for all those involved in this accident, particularly for the family and loved ones of the individual who passed away,” said Woodruff.Consisting of dozens of islands, New Caledonia—which includes the largest island of the same name—is a French territory in the South Pacific.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/four-missionaries-injured-in-serious-car-accident-in-new-caledonia-are-expected-to-recover?lang=eng#2703309169Tue, 19 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Women’s Stretch Cotton Garments Now Include Maternity, Nursing, and Midcalf Styles
https://www.lds.org/church/news/womens-stretch-cotton-garments-now-include-maternity-nursing-and-midcalf-styles?lang=eng
<p>The stretch cotton nursing and maternity garments—designed to be snug and more in line with modern clothing—provide a new and comfortable option for pregnant and nursing sisters.The women’s stretch cotton garment line is being extended to include maternity styles, a nursing top, and a midcalf bottom, available immediately in the U.S. and Canada.The new redesigned midcalf bottom has an extra wide “yoga”-style waistband made of stretch mesh that sits at the natural waist. The leg cuffs are made of the same stretch mesh fabric as the inner-leg panels.The completely redesigned maternity chemise-style top features gathers down both sides and no underbust seams, allowing for an expanding belly without excess fabric. Two bust sizes are available.<strong>Updated midcalf garment bottom</strong>All stretch cotton options for women will be available in all areas by April 2019, except for Brazil, where they will be available later in the year.<strong>Maternity and nursing garments</strong>Midcalf bottoms provide extra warmth, cleaner lines beneath clothing, and full-body comfort and work especially well under maxi skirts, jeans, and leggings.For nursing mothers, the crossover top and signature stretch provide for easy access while the mesh side panels help keep the wearer cool and dry. Two bust sizes are available.To purchase these new garment styles, visit a Distribution Services store or <a href="https://store.lds.org/Garments">store.lds.org</a>.<strong>How to purchase</strong>Stretch cotton, the popular breathable cotton–spandex fabric first <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-offers-new-stretch-cotton-garments-for-women?lang=eng">introduced</a> to the women’s line of garments in February of 2018, provides a soft cottony feel and a comfortable, close fit. Stretch polyester mesh panels on the sides and inner legs help to increase airflow and decrease drying time.The extra-wide stretch mesh front panel on the maternity bottom also accommodates growth.All four new garment products will replace the cotton-poly garment products currently available.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/womens-stretch-cotton-garments-now-include-maternity-nursing-and-midcalf-styles?lang=eng#2891196886Tue, 19 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Tennessee Young Women Build Interfaith Bonds with Muslim Friends by Holding a Ward “Hijab Drive”
https://www.lds.org/church/news/tennessee-young-women-build-interfaith-bonds-with-muslim-friends-by-holding-a-ward-hijab-drive?lang=eng
<p>After touring the mosque, the Latter-day Saint girls were invited to ask questions of their Muslim counterparts. No surprise, they wanted to know about their hijabs—the traditional veils or scarves worn by Muslim women.“But the hijab has also made them a target because they stand out,” said Anna. “We spoke to 12- and 13-year-old girls who had been told horrible things simply because they choose to wear their hijabs.”Hamed added the Knoxville Muslim community’s friendship with the Latter-day Saint community actually began in 2017 when Anna Hughes’s older brother, Harrison, organized an online interfaith project that promoted understanding and interaction between the local faith communities. The project also championed religious freedom.Amira Hamed, the leader of the Pearls of Knoxville, said the recent gift “was really beautiful. It’s touching a lot of the Muslim community’s hearts.”On February 3, in observance of World Interfaith Harmony Week, Anna and a fellow Laurel, Emma Strickland, delivered the collected scarves to the Pearls of Knoxville, the local Muslim young women’s group, during one of their Sunday gatherings at the mosque.Each scarf was pressed, folded, and wrapped with a bow and a favorite quote. They were a welcome gift. One young Muslim woman had forgotten her hijab and immediately used one of the new scarves.Now the Muslim girls are planning to share some sort of gift in the near future with their Latter-day Saint friends.So Anna felt an immediate kinship with a group of other Knoxville-area young women who, at first glance, might appear on opposite ends of the religious spectrum.The hijab, they added, is a symbol of modesty and chastity anchored to their Islamic beliefs and tenets.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/14/350-latter-day-saint-young-women-in-tennessee-share-hijab-gifts-_4.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Emma Strickland, left, and Anna Hughes visited a mosque in Knoxville, Tennessee, on February 3, 2019, to pass out scarves donated by members of their ward. The scarves were gifts to the young Muslim women at the mosque and strengthened friendship between the two faith groups. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Hughes.</p>
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The Grove Park Ward responded enthusiastically. “I had multiple women give me multiple scarves to donate,” she said.The 16-year-old Knoxville, Tennessee, resident lives in an area where she and her fellow Latter-day Saints are religious minorities. Occasionally, she’s been stereotyped and misunderstood because of her gospel beliefs.Anna Hughes knows the sting of religious discrimination and bigotry.Their hosts were eager to answer, explaining that they wore hijabs whenever they interacted with people who were not of their immediate family.Since then, Knoxville-area Muslims have hosted visiting Latter-day Saints at their mosque and also toured Latter-day Saint meetinghouses.Anna decided to enlist the Relief Society sisters and young women from her ward in a “hijab drive” to gather scarves that would be harmonious with Islamic standards of modesty. Young women from the Grove Park Ward ask questions of their young Muslim hosts during a visit to a Knoxville, Tennessee, mosque in April 2018. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Hughes.“I wanted to let these young women know they are never alone and that I respect their values and who they are,” said Anna.Harrison Hughes is serving a mission in Brazil.Last year, Anna and several other young women from the Grove Park Ward, Knoxville Tennessee Cumberland Stake, were visiting the Annoor Mosque to learn more about other religious congregations in their community.The high school junior recognized and admired the Knoxville Muslim girls’ integrity and commitment to their beliefs. “I wanted to do something to show them that I appreciated them even when others might mock them,” she said.The project was simple. It didn’t cost tens of thousands of dollars. It didn’t require months of planning. But friendships between two religious groups were solidified at a moment in time often defined by division and distrust.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/tennessee-young-women-build-interfaith-bonds-with-muslim-friends-by-holding-a-ward-hijab-drive?lang=eng#3012335230Tue, 19 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Latter-day Saint Missionaries Can Now Call, Text Home Weekly, First Presidency Announces
https://www.lds.org/church/news/latter-day-saint-missionaries-can-now-call-text-home-weekly-first-presidency-announces?lang=eng
<p>Increased communication may also help missionaries who are homesick and could benefit from the “comforting voice of their parents,” said Elder Uchtdorf.Parents should remember that the missionaries have an important work to do. “They are called to bring the gospel message to all the world. They are called to find, teach, baptize, and help people to become disciples of Jesus Christ. They are the ones in charge of communication.”With the new advances in technology, this communication should take place at little or no cost to the Church, the missionaries, or their families.In addition to weekly communication, missionaries are also encouraged to contact family on other special occasions such as Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, parents’ birthdays, and other culturally significant holidays.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/15/350-Hyde%20Park__C2_0129%20(1).jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Missionaries pose for a photo in front of the Hyde Park Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in London on Tuesday, April 10, 2018. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News.</p>
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“Our missionaries are pretty tough,” said Elder Uchtdorf. “They receive rejection every day. They have tough weather conditions. They have to learn a lot. They have to work with new cultures, with new circumstances. But above all, they know in their hearts and minds that they are servants and representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ.”Communication should occur on the missionary’s preparation day and be initiated by the missionary. Missionaries are asked to use good judgment in determining the length of phone calls and video chats and to be considerate of their companions.Elder Uchtdorf said the new guidelines offer several additional benefits, including accommodating varied family circumstances, as well as better supporting those missionaries who would benefit from increased personal contact with family at home. Missionaries await the arrival of President Russell M. Nelson and Elder Dale G. Renlund at a missionary meeting in September 2018 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Photo by Rex Warner.“Regular communication with their families is an important part of a missionary’s service,” said the First Presidency in a statement. “One of the major purposes of this adjustment is to encourage families to be more involved in their missionary’s efforts and experiences.”In those few locations where families or missionaries do not have access to computers or phones, missionaries are encouraged to continue using their current means of communication.Missionaries “initiate the call to their parents because they have a schedule they want to fulfill. Missionaries and parents can plan ahead to find a time convenient to both. On preparation day, missionaries want to prepare physically, mentally, and spiritually for the rest of the week. They know best which time would be best for them to call home.” Missionaries in Uruguay attend a 2018 devotional. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.Further, Elder Uchtdorf said new options of communication with home will be a motivating force, not a distraction. After their communication with families—in whatever form the missionaries select—they can “go out there and serve the Lord with even a brighter heart, a more joyful countenance.” They can smile at the people they meet and teach and say, “I just talked to my parents. They send their greetings and they send their love.” The significant adaptations to missionary communication are the result of the “options, possibilities, and technologies now offered in some parts of the world,” said Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/dieter-f-uchtdorf?lang=eng">Dieter F. Uchtdorf</a> of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and chairman of the Church’s Missionary Executive Council.Church leaders trust the missionaries, he said. “They do this very well on Christmas or whatever the occasion is. We are confident that this will be very nicely done among the missionary companionships.”The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Friday an update to guidelines regarding communication between full-time missionaries and their families.Elder Uchtdorf added, “The Lord loves the missionaries and their families. We are confident that the expanded ways of weekly communication between missionaries and their families by letters, emails, online messaging, video chats, or phone calls will have a positive effect on the efforts to gather Israel, both in the mission field and at home.”“As families, we love our missionaries,” he said. “Missionaries love their families. They want to communicate with them.”Elder Uchtdorf called this communication—made possible by technology—a wonderful thing. “We communicate with our Heavenly Father every day, and we would like to have our families communicate with the missionaries every week—maybe by letter or maybe by email, or now maybe by video chats or phone calls. This is an addition which brings more confidence, more peace.”“We encourage missionaries to communicate with their families each week using whatever approved method missionaries decide,” said Elder Uchtdorf. “This may vary based on their circumstances, locations, and schedules for that week. It is not expected that all missionaries will call or video chat with their parents every week. The precise manner of communication is left up to the missionary as he or she decides what will best meet their needs.”Effective immediately, the Church’s 65,000 missionaries are authorized to communicate with their families each week on preparation day by text messages, online messaging, phone calls, and video chats, in addition to letters and emails.Increased communication can help to unify missionaries and their families in this “great and marvelous work,” said Elder Uchtdorf. Missionaries can share with their families “the wonderful experiences they have in the field.”To avoid disruption to missionary schedules, family members are asked not to initiate calls or chats but instead wait for the missionary to contact them on his or her weekly preparation day. If a missionary’s parents live in different locations, he or she may contact each parent separately.He rejected the philosophy that calling home more than twice a year will weaken or distract missionaries.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/latter-day-saint-missionaries-can-now-call-text-home-weekly-first-presidency-announces?lang=eng#547506630Fri, 15 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Preparing for the Prophet: Inspiring Stories Behind the Arizona Member Devotional
https://www.lds.org/church/news/preparing-for-the-prophet-inspiring-stories-behind-the-arizona-member-devotional?lang=eng
<p>Church members: nearly 430,000“A lot of the media have asked me, ‘Why is President Nelson coming to Phoenix?’” she said. “And it hit me—for many of these members, even though we are so close to Utah, this will be the only time in their lives when they will sit in the same room as the prophet.” Elder C. Dale Willis, left, an Area Seventy and chairman of the planning committee for the February 10 member devotional at State Farm Stadium, visits with committee member Denny Barney as the devotional rostrum is put in place on Thursday, February 7, 2019. Photo by Scott Taylor.<strong>The February 10 devotional</strong> Elder C. Dale Willis, an Area Seventy and chairman of the Phoenix member devotional planning committee, visits with committee members, stadium managers, and officials in an on-site meeting on February 7, 2019. Photo by Scott Taylor.As a token of appreciation and an opportunity to share a message, Elder Willis, Jarvis, and others arranged for hard-back, name-embossed copies of the Book of Mormon for each stadium official involved in the planning and organization of the devotional. “We had many come up to us and thank us for the gift of the Book of Mormon,” said Jarvis, adding “they were very pleased and gracious.”While he has attended previous leadership and training meetings led by members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the Phoenix devotional was the first time Bishop Waldo has been in the presence of a Church President.Devotional attendance: About 65,000Church members: 242,000“We were here over the holidays with my parents, counting out 70,000 tickets on our dining room table,” recalled Christy Jarvis, sharing how her family separated and packaged an allotted 850 tickets for each of the 78 stakes. “We sat there with the bowl games on—we had football and food and counting tickets. And it was really fun.”However, only a fraction of his ward members was able to attend the event at the stadium, since his ward received only 93 devotional tickets.<strong>Cementing a venue</strong>From shuttling propane tanks for outdoor heaters on a chilly February evening to overseeing the production and sale of tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, Bishop Waldo was kept plenty busy before the prophet’s arrival. He paused to talk about how the members in his congregation were looking forward to President Nelson’s devotional.Total planning man-hours: 3,500James Jarvis acknowledged the role of stadium managers and directors in organizing the devotional. “The people here at the stadium have been absolutely incredible to work with,” he said. “They’ve made our lives pretty easy.”YSA ushers: 400One Church President. Two First Presidency members. A Sunday night devotional <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-nelson-invites-record-crowd-in-arizona-to-help-gather-israel?lang=eng">drawing some 65,000 at an indoor football stadium</a> in metro Phoenix, with another 64,000 watching a live broadcast in meetinghouses across the state.<strong>The Church in the Greater Phoenix Area</strong><strong>Tacos, tickets, and translating</strong>And it now has gone full circle—from a Willis sent by a prophet to help settle Arizona to a Willis welcoming a prophet to speak in Arizona, where the Latter-day Saint membership is nearly 430,000 strong.“To have them sit, even in a large venue like this, and be in the presence of the prophet and to hear him testify—that’s what we want,” he said, “to cement the hearts of our children to this great man who is a prophet of God.”Fast forward nearly a century and a half later, as one of his great-great-grandsons—Elder C. Dale Willis Jr., an Area Seventy from Mesa, Arizona, whose profession is in commercial real estate and land development—heads the planning committee to organize the February 10 member devotional.Tickets for special guests: 1,200One of the first individuals Elder Willis reached out to for his committee was Denny Barney, a sixth-generation Arizonan who at the time was a longtime elected Maricopa County supervisor (he resigned earlier this month to head a local coalition of civic, business, education, and political leaders).Temples: 3State Farm Stadium seating: 63,400Floor seats for youth, YSAs: 9,000<strong>In the same room</strong><strong>Coming full circle</strong> President Russell M. Nelson walks into the State Farm Stadium with his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, in Phoenix on Sunday, February 10, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.“I want him to feel the strength of the youth and of the prophet, to help solidify his testimony,” she said. “We live in an area where there aren’t very many members of the Church, so this will be a unique experience for him to sit with 9,000 youth who are members and feel that strength that comes from other people with shared values and a shared understanding of Christ’s role.”Tabbed early as the committee’s executive secretary, James Jarvis of the Salt River Ward in the Mesa Arizona Alta Mesa Stake was all but sworn to secrecy in making initial inquiries and arrangements.“They are very excited, very happy, very enthusiastic that the prophet has come,” he said in Spanish.<strong>Putting two and two together</strong><strong>The Church in Arizona</strong>When her husband returned home, she asked, “So when is the prophet coming?” and James Jarvis could neither confirm nor deny, never sharing any details until they were approved for public dissemination.Tickets distributed: 70,000“That,” he said, “is what gets me the most excited, the most emotional.”Barney was integral in helping arrange a venue for President Nelson’s devotional since his county position had him involved in related board assignments with the Chase Field baseball facility in downtown Phoenix and the football-oriented State Farm Stadium in Glendale on the metro area’s west side. Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Stadium—an open-air venue—was ruled out because of uncertain winter weather.But family members noticed something was a bit off—he seemed a little distracted, a little preoccupied, and a lot busier. “He was very excited about something, and it definitely piqued my interested and I was watching very closely to see what was going on,” said his wife, Christy.Planning committee members: 16Stakes: 117<strong>BY THE NUMBERS</strong>“Within 24 hours, we had secured a date that fit with the prophet’s schedule—it came together so quickly,” he said. “The stadium people have remarked several times that to pull together this type of event in the amount of time we’re doing it has been pretty unique.”About five miles away from the stadium in a parking lot off Grand Avenue, Hector Waldo, bishop of the La Joya Ward in the Phoenix Arizona Stake, had his taco truck positioned for another six-hour stretch on a Saturday night. Waldo’s Tacos has been a west-side mainstay since 2005 for the family business.No sites were available for an initially proposed date in mid-January. With all eyes now on February, Chase Field was booked for the proposed date, and Barney reached out to the Bidwill family that owns the Arizona Cardinals, the NFL team that plays in the State Farm Stadium with its retractable roof and retractable grass playing surface.Notified in late November 2018 of a desire to have a Phoenix devotional as early as mid-January, Elder Willis described the assignment as “a revelatory experience.” From the immediate promptings of names of who to call to the planning committee to settling on a preliminary devotional plan in less than two weeks, everything came together in a miraculous way.“We have 40 youth, so I was focused more on giving them to the youth and to the families,” he said. “The others will watch at the chapel.”When she couldn’t locate him one day, she used a smartphone app to see where he was at—it showed State Farm Stadium. “I started putting two and two together, and I thought, ‘I know why he’s so busy; I know why he’s so excited.’”“Almost on a nightly occurrence, at 3:00 in the morning, I wake up,” said Willis. “There are strong impressions that I need to do this or that. For that I am so grateful, that the Lord has communicated with him in such a holy and sacred way to help me with this assignment.”Members viewing broadcast at meetinghouses: 64,000Tickets per stake: 850The result was a devotional planned in under three months—or less than half the time for the 2018 devotionals in Seattle, Washington, and San Antonio, Texas. The 16-member planning committee met weekly for about 90 minutes at a time, with nearly each committee member overseeing a subcommittee tasked with music, security, ushering, parking, publicity, and the like.Bishop Waldo’s two oldest children also helped provide Spanish translation for the devotional. Listening to the words of the Church’s two top leaders and their wives in his native tongue, via the efforts of his children, was something he was especially looking forward to.PHOENIX, ARIZONA“I hope my great-great-grandfather and my great-grandfather are proud,” he said, “and I look forward to the day of sitting down and visiting with them about it, comparing notes and making sure I have not soiled their name in any way or brought dishonor to the family.”In 1878, Brigham Young called John Henry Willis to take his family—which eventually totaled two wives, 14 sons, and four daughters—from their Kanarraville, Utah, home to help settle in what was then the territory of Arizona. Willis crossed the Colorado on Lee’s Ferry en route first to Winslow, then the Tonto Basin, then the Salt River Valley (now metro Phoenix), and finally on to Snowflake in eastern Arizona to begin ranching and farming efforts there.“It’s a very humbling experience as I think of what my great-great-grandfather went through in 1878, accepting that assignment from the prophet Brigham Young to help colonize northern Arizona in Snowflake,” said Elder Willis, whose great-grandfather in the 1910s homesteaded in Chandler, south of Mesa and Gilbert. “To see where the family has come since then in the Church as well as in our communities here in Arizona has just been humbling.”Jennifer Wheeler of the Phoenix Arizona North Stake’s Royal Palm Ward serves on the Greater Phoenix Public Affairs Council and is a point person for the devotional planning committee on handling media inquiries.Missions: 5Barney hoped his two teenage sons—18-year-old Bryson and 15-year-old Bronson—would have a testimony-building experience as they occupied two of the 9,000 chairs set aside on the stadium floor for youth and young single adults.Stakes: 78Temples: 6Those are just some of the numbers that start to tell the story of the February 10 devotional featuring President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/russell-m-nelson?lang=eng">Russell M. Nelson</a> of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his First Counselor, President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/dallin-h-oaks?lang=eng">Dallin H. Oaks</a>, at the State Farm Stadium. A training meeting is held on Saturday, February 9, 2019, in a bottom-floor conference area of the State Farm Stadium for the 400 young single adults volunteering as ushers in advance of the February 10 Phoenix member devotional to be held at the same site. Photo by Scott Taylor.And like Jarvis, she anticipated the potential impact on her 15-year-old son, Gray.Missions: 6Every person attending or watching has at least one story of preparation concerning the prophet’s visit to Arizona—making for tens of thousands of anecdotes. Here are just a handful that represent the preparation that went into the Arizona member devotional.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/preparing-for-the-prophet-inspiring-stories-behind-the-arizona-member-devotional?lang=eng#3401367414Thu, 14 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
President Ballard Emphasizes the Importance of Spiritual Learning at Salt Lake Institute Devotional
https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-ballard-emphasizes-the-importance-of-spiritual-learning-at-salt-lake-institute-devotional?lang=eng
<p>And second: “If you have a problem or if you’re struggling, you have a Father in Heaven. You have a Savior. Take it up with Them.”Too often he hears of students who suffer from anxiety or depression, he said. “It saddens us when we hear that anyone would be so discouraged that they would be even thinking of such a thing as suicide. What can we do? How can we help anyone who is struggling with some of life’s problems?“The best answer that I know of was given to us through the life and the ministry and the Atonement of the Son of God.”He then left the students with a blessing of peace for whatever concerns or struggles they have. “You have a Father in Heaven; you have a Savior who loves you. Take it up with Them. Lean on Them. Listen. Learn. Be obedient to the things that matter most, and you’ll be protected.”“You’ll start to see, the older you get, what matters most in life,” said President Ballard, adding that it won’t be how much money one makes or other worldly possessions.President Ballard’s message reminded him to focus on the spiritual side of education, as well as to remember who he is and that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ “are rooting for you.”Like Watkins, William Ray Burk of the Riverside Ward, Salt Lake Pioneer YSA Stake, has moved from one community to another and found belonging. By attending institute, he’s found a sense of community. “Everyone is so open and willing to reach out to each other and so kind to each other,” he said.While the education of one’s mind regarding things of the world is important, of greater importance is the education of one’s spirit and the things of eternity, President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/m-russell-ballard?lang=eng">M. Russell Ballard</a> told students gathered at the Salt Lake Institute on Sunday, February 10.At the same time, though, that same technology also gave a way for Satan to destroy spiritual learning, especially with the evil of pornography.“Every student at the U should be able to find their faith community here, where they share values, the opportunity to learn and to grow. We at the U recognize the important role that the institute plays in attracting people to the U and supporting students through their success, in fostering graduation rates, in helping us build community. We’re very, very grateful for the work at the institute.”Watkins focused her remarks on the importance and value of community.
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> President M. Russell Ballard waves to students as he leaves the Salt Lake Institute following a devotional on Sunday, February 10, 2019. Photo by Valerie Johnson.</p>
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Watkins was reminded of when she and her husband, Bob Watkins, had first moved to Utah from Illinois in 2013. Relocating caused them both some measure of anxiety as they worried about whether or not they would be accepted or belong.President Ballard advised students to keep their antennas up: “Watch for those opportunities where somebody may be a little discouraged.”“That helps me a lot with all the things that I need to do, whether it be education or knowing how I can minister to someone.”Underscoring his call as an Apostle of the Lord, President Ballard counseled listeners who are doing anything wrong in their lives or have succumbed to temptation. “Fix it. It’s called repentance. … Perfection is attainable, but it’s a long ways away. But we can get there.”Technological advances over the last two centuries or so have come about because the Church needed them. “Now, some people just cringe when I say that,” President Ballard said.However, computers and the internet gave the Church the “capacity to do the great work that the Lord has placed on us in preparing and building temples where the blessings of eternity can be bestowed upon our kindred dead.”Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints understand the responsibility to live exemplary lives “because we have a prophet of God who restored the fullness of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ, under the hands of direction of the Lord Jesus Christ and our Eternal Father,” he said. “The teachings, the principles, the covenants, the ordinances of eternal salvation have been reignited and restated in clear terms.”Two things in the devotional stood out to Lisa Richardson of the Madison YSA Ward, Salt Lake Pioneer YSA Stake. First: “The education of your spirit is more important than the education of your mind.”
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> University of Utah President Ruth V. Watkins speaks to students gathered in the Salt Lake Institute for a devotional on Sunday, February 10, 2019. She spoke about the importance of developing community. Photo by Valerie Johnson.</p>
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Gill also expressed gratitude for President Ballard’s encouragement to stay focused on the things that matter. “He reminded us that we have a Father in Heaven and a Savior that loves us. And if we have any questions, we can take it up with Them.”President Ballard, the Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, joined University of Utah President Ruth V. Watkins in speaking to students during the evening devotional.But soon, one by one, their neighbors came with food, introduced themselves, and welcomed the Watkinses to the neighborhood.There are answers to life’s questions that are found in the Restoration of the gospel that are found in no other place. “There are answers in the scriptures; there are answers in the teachings of apostles and prophets who hold the same keys and authority and power as did Peter, James, and John and the other apostles in their day.”The University of Utah brings together people from all faiths and backgrounds. Watkins said that it is important that the university support students’ growth in their faith.“I’d really never seen anything like that,” she said. “And one thing that I learned very quickly, there was an incredible community where we, by accident, wound up living that were incredible supporters of the University of Utah and, much more importantly, incredible supporters of each other.”“I really appreciated the president’s words and her devotion to the cause of bringing us together as a community and not just as a school,” said Karen Gill of the Riverside Ward, Salt Lake Pioneer YSA Stake. “I like that she said that students succeed when they have a sense of community and a sense of purpose.”“I think I am talking with a group who clearly believes in community as I look at this gathering tonight and your partnership and your community and your engagement in the collective good with each other,” she said.“I’m sure the Lord wants you to be happy. I think He wants you to be successful. I think He wants you to accomplish your objectives in life. But He wants you to stay focused on what matters most—that is, the continual education of your eternal part of your being.”Belonging and community matter to all, especially students, she said. “Students succeed when they feel they are welcome. Students succeed when they feel they belong. Students succeed when they feel welcome in a community.”</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-ballard-emphasizes-the-importance-of-spiritual-learning-at-salt-lake-institute-devotional?lang=eng#4258758040Thu, 14 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Brother Ashton Shares 7 Steps for Learning by the Spirit at BYU–Idaho Devotional
https://www.lds.org/church/news/brother-ashton-shares-7-steps-for-learning-by-the-spirit-at-byu-idaho-devotional?lang=eng
<p>Not only did he have a desire to learn Spanish and call on the Lord for help in his efforts, Brother Ashton noted, but he followed through with his desire by obeying the “laws upon which the blessing of learning Spanish was predicated.”Brother Ashton’s mother encouraged him to learn the piano when he was a young boy. But without a strong desire to learn the instrument, he put minimal effort into his daily practice and weekly lessons. He was convinced he would be bad at it, and, rather than increase his efforts, he took the opportunity to quit when it was offered to him.<li>Recognize that learning is a spiritual process.</li><li>Develop a desire to learn what you are studying.</li><li>Ask for divine help. This includes daily and specific prayers to a Father in Heaven who is waiting to help, Brother Ashton noted.</li><li>Do the work required to learn. The effort required to learn something will not always be the same when compared to others, he said.</li><li>Repent. “Repentance helps us to have the Spirit to a greater degree in our lives,” he said.</li><li>Do things that bring an extra measure of the Spirit into your life.</li><li>Trust that all things are possible with God. “Don’t give up because learning something seems impossible,” Brother Ashton said. “Don’t ‘take counsel from [your] fears.’ Rather, move forward in faith.”</li>Learning piano, on the other hand, had been a distinctly nonspiritual endeavor for him. He noted his negative attitude, which he had from the beginning, made it nearly impossible for him to make learning the piano a spiritual endeavor at the time, even if he had wanted to.<li>“The first principle is that all truth is made understandable to us by the Light of Christ and the Holy Ghost,” Brother Ashton said, adding, “In other words, truth is not only revealed or made understandable to us by the Spirit, but it also proceeds forth from Jesus Christ through the Light of Christ.”</li><li>“The second principle is that in order to learn truth, we must obey the specific laws that allow us to understand that principle of truth,” he said, noting that the corollary to this principle is that light and truth can be taken away through disobedience to those same laws.</li><li>“The third principle is that the Holy Ghost and the Light of Christ can quicken our understanding and our capacity,” Brother Ashton said. Simple acts like praying for help, pondering the scriptures, or serving others can allow the Spirit to more easily help those who seek Him.</li><li>“The fourth principle is that if we exercise faith in Christ, we will ‘have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in’ Him,” he said, quoting a phrase from <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/7.33?lang=eng" target="_blank">Moroni 7:33</a> in the Book of Mormon. “As it relates to learning, I take this to mean that when it is expedient in Christ, we can do the following: overcome or work around challenges, develop talents that don’t come naturally to us, and persist in doing the things that allow us to learn even when it is very difficult.”</li> Students and faculty at BYU–Idaho gather on February 12 to hear the words of Brian K. Ashton, Second Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency. Photo by Sarah Jones, BYU–Idaho. Brother Brian K. Ashton, Second Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency, greets attendees following the BYU–Idaho devotional on February 12. Photo by Cami Su, BYU–Idaho.“The Lord grants unto us according to our desire,” he said. “What’s more, having a desire to learn opens our hearts such that the Spirit can reveal truth to us.”Students from around the world who participate in the <a href="https://byupathway.lds.org/">BYU–Pathway Worldwide</a> programs have one thing in common, said Brother <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/brian-k-ashton?lang=eng">Brian K. Ashton</a>, Second Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency.The opposing experiences made clear for Brother Ashton the importance of recognizing the hand of the Lord in all things and the success that can come when one is willing to humble themselves to follow the Lord’s path to enlightenment.The difference between the two experiences, Brother Ashton noted, was that when it came to learning Spanish, he made his attempt a spiritual endeavor.Brother Ashton listed seven steps to accomplish learning by the Spirit:Sharing two examples from his own past, Brother Ashton contrasted what it is like to learn with the Spirit and what it is like to attempt to learn without the Spirit.“So, what do you need to do to succeed in your learning endeavors?”They, like all of God’s children, need the Spirit to help them learn.To help clarify the difference between learning and learning by the Spirit, Brother Ashton shared four key principles pulled from scriptures and the words of the prophets:When individuals make learning a spiritual endeavor rather than simply a secular one, they are much more likely to be successful, Brother Ashton said during a devotional address Tuesday, February 12, at BYU–Idaho in Rexburg, Idaho.Years later, when he was called on a mission, Brother Ashton was afraid at the prospect of having to learn Spanish. But in this instance, he had a desire to learn the language and was thus willing to do the work necessary to practice, study, and learn the language.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/brother-ashton-shares-7-steps-for-learning-by-the-spirit-at-byu-idaho-devotional?lang=eng#937099243Thu, 14 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
The 175th Anniversary of Joseph and Hyrum Smith’s Martyrdom Is One of Many Notable Dates in 2019
https://www.lds.org/church/news/the-175th-anniversary-of-joseph-and-hyrum-smiths-martyrdom-is-one-of-many-notable-dates-in-2019?lang=eng
<p><strong>Golden spike</strong>Additionally, Church members commemorated the 100th anniversary by holding memorial services. A special service was held at Carthage Jail. The ceremony commemorating the driving of the golden spike on the first transcontinental railroad in North America, May 10, 1869. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.That year, Brigham Young established the Young Ladies’ Retrenchment Association, later renamed the Young Women Mutual Improvement Association, in the Lion House. The first president of the organization, Elmina Shepherd Taylor, was called in 1880.In May 1994—25 years ago—President Ezra Taft Benson died at age 94 after more than eight years of service as Church President. A short time later, President Hunter was set apart as the new President. He selected President Gordon B. Hinckley and President Thomas S. Monson as his counselors.The property deeds listed the date June 27, 1944, marking the 100th anniversary of the martyrdom.In 1944, a plaque dedicated by President Heber J. Grant was placed in the Lion House to celebrate the 75th anniversary.On June 27, 1844, a mob stormed Carthage Jail in Illinois and shot the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith.One century after Joseph and Hyrum were killed, the Church purchased land in Spring Hill, Daviess County, Missouri. The property is more commonly known to Latter-day Saints as Adam-ondi-Ahman (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/116?lang=eng" target="_blank">Doctrine and Covenants 116</a>). One hundred years ago, in November 1919, the Laie Hawaii Temple became the first temple built outside the continental United States. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Mays, Deseret News Archives.President Joseph F. Smith, the son of Hyrum Smith and the sixth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recorded these feelings about the martyrdom: “The martyrdom has always been an inspiration to the people of the Lord. It has helped them in their individual trials; has given them courage to pursue a course in righteousness and to know and to live truth, and must ever be held in sacred memory by the Latter-day Saints who have learned the great truths that God revealed through his servant, Joseph Smith” (in <em><a href="https://www.lds.org/study/manual/teachings-joseph-smith/chapter-46?lang=eng">Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith</a>,</em> chapter 46).The following list, which draws from timelines at <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/archive/2010-02-08/historical-chronology-of-the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints-35088">thechurchnews.com</a> and <a href="https://history.lds.org/timeline/tabular/chronology-of-church-history">history.lds.org</a>, is not all-inclusive.In November 1919—100 years ago—President Grant dedicated a new temple in Laie, Hawaii, the fifth temple in the Church and the first to be built outside the continental United States.<strong>Temples</strong>In November 1969—50 years ago—the Southeast Asia Mission formally opened with headquarters in Singapore. The following year, the first missionaries traveled to Indonesia, which was part of the mission.<strong>Young Women</strong><strong>Change in Church leadership</strong><strong>Missionary work</strong>In November 1869—150 years ago—the Church founded the forerunner for today’s Young Women program. One century after Joseph and Hyrum were killed, the Church purchased land in Spring Hill, Daviess County, Missouri—commonly called Adam-ondi-Ahman by Church members. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Mays, Deseret News Archives.In February 1994—25 years ago—the First Presidency announced plans to renovate the Uintah Stake Tabernacle into a temple. When dedicated in 1997, the Vernal Utah Temple, the first existing building to be renovated into a temple, became the state’s 10th temple.In April 1844—175 years ago—Addison Pratt, Benjamin F. Grouard, and Noah Rogers landed on Tubuai, 350 miles south of Tahiti, and opened missionary work in the South Pacific.<strong>One century later</strong>The martyrdom is one of several notable dates and anniversaries for the Church in 2019. The list includes milestones in the Young Women program, a historic site in northern Utah, the first temple built outside the continental United States, and significant moments in the history of missionary work, among others.President Howard W. Hunter and other Church leaders visited Carthage Jail and delivered remarks in a special meeting in <a href="https://www.deseretnews.com/article/361351/LDS-HAIL-JOSEPH-HYRUM-SMITH-AT-CARTHAGE-JAIL.html">1994</a> to commemorate the 150th anniversary.This year marks the 175th anniversary of that monumental event.In May 1869—150 years ago—workers completed the transcontinental railroad at Promontory Summit in Box Elder County. The wedding of the rails strengthened the general economy of the Church in Utah and had a significant impact on immigration. (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/tanner-gift-of-music-concert-to-celebrate-golden-spike-150th-anniversary?lang=eng">related story</a>.)</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/the-175th-anniversary-of-joseph-and-hyrum-smiths-martyrdom-is-one-of-many-notable-dates-in-2019?lang=eng#1040361983Thu, 14 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Church Leaders Present Light the World Campaign Checks to U.S. Charities in New York, Arizona
https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-leaders-present-light-the-world-campaign-checks-to-us-charities-in-new-york-arizona?lang=eng
<p> A giving machine was set up in Gilbert, Arizona, during the Church’s December Light the World campaign. From left to right, the recipients include Dave Richins, president and CEO of the United Food Bank; Mike Hughes, president and CEO of A New Leaf; Katie Pompay, executive director of Helen’s Hope Chest; and Tom Kertis, president and CEO of St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance. Photo by Terri Moore.The Church also unveiled a piece of commemorative artwork to the mayor and town council—a colorful, brushed-aluminum plaque highlighting the 2018 giving campaign and the city’s participation in it.“Now I’m completely blown away,” he said of the generosity from the Church-led effort. “I never thought we’d see these kinds of results. It’s going to go a long way to feed people—for every dollar we get, we’ll be able to provide seven meals. So nearly a half-million meals will come out of this giving machine here in Gilbert to help those in our community who are food-insecure.”Primary General President Sister <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/joy-d-jones?lang=eng">Joy D. Jones</a> was in Manhattan February 12 to deliver checks of funds raised through the Light the World campaign to the offices of <a href="https://www.care.org/">CARE</a>, <a href="https://www.wateraid.org/us/">WaterAid America</a>, and <a href="https://www.unicefusa.org/">UNICEF USA</a>. Watch more of her visit <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT2OZPxvs8g">in this video</a>.“Just think of how many soccer teams are out there having fun and experiencing the joy of childhood thanks to the giving machines,” said Goldman.“I am grateful to be able to say as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that we honor the Savior Jesus Christ through service,” said Sister Jones. “And at this Christmastime, it was so remarkable to be able to see what happened with this giving through the Light the World campaign as people recognized the sweet opportunity to give.”Tom Kertis, president and CEO of St. Mary’s Food Bank, said when he first heard of the giving machines, he thought it was a great concept but remained skeptical of the impact.“It’s made a difference to children,” said Leslie Goldman, vice president of global cause partnerships at UNICEF USA, who reported that the donation will be used to vaccinate 320,000 children against polio, as well as buy jump ropes and more than 3,500 soccer balls.Scott Taylor contributed to story.Gilbert Mayor Jenn Daniels noted when Deseret Industries opened a store several months ago in Gilbert, Bishop <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/dean-m-davies?lang=eng">Dean M. Davies</a> of the Presiding Bishop during his dedicatory prayer pronounced a blessing on the town of Gilbert. “The giving machines were a manifestation of the blessings he left on us,” said the mayor as she thanked Gilbert residents and those of neighboring cities for their generous participation.Oversized commemorative checks signifying the donation amounts were also given to leaders of four Arizona-based charities—$60,980 to A New Leaf, which offers domestic violence, homeless, behavioral health, and youth programs; $54,410 to Helen’s Hope Chest, which provides foster youth with quality clothing, hygiene items, school supplies, books, and gifts; and identical donations of $67,196.50 each to the St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance and the United Food Bank.Monica Merlis Matthews, director of community partnerships at CARE, finds the giving machines an innovative approach to fundraising. “To see really how it has resonated with people and brought people in and introduced people to philanthropy and in new ways, it’s so exciting, and so we’re honored and privileged to be a part of it.”“I feel like our values are very aligned, that the focus is really on the mission of what we’re trying to achieve together,” said Sarina Prabasi, CEO of WaterAid America.<strong>Gratitude from the Grand Canyon State</strong>“Thank you for the partnership,” said Caryl Stern, president and CEO of UNICEF USA. “Thank you for the spirit with which these machines were placed and for being with us today to present a check that’s truly going to make a difference in the lives of children all over the globe.”“Just a huge, huge thank you,” expressed Lina Bonova, executive director of CARE’s northeast region. “I think it’s really important for each and every person [who] made the trip and selected the chicken and the goat. It’s so important, so humble just to see this huge support, and it makes a huge difference in the field every day.”</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-leaders-present-light-the-world-campaign-checks-to-us-charities-in-new-york-arizona?lang=eng#1196197508Wed, 13 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Despite Recent MTC Closures, More New Missionaries Being Trained Internationally
https://www.lds.org/church/news/despite-recent-mtc-closures-more-new-missionaries-being-trained-internationally?lang=eng
<p>After expanding several times in the past eight years, the Philippines MTC in Manila can host 280 at time, having totaled 1,537 missionaries last year.“And this year, it’s going to be 1 or 2 percent higher again.”“We have actually learned that it is often less expensive to bring a missionary to Provo than to maintain an MTC in their home country,” said Elder Nielson. “And they can come here and have a good experience, they can go to Temple Square, they can see the Church’s headquarters. … We’re always looking at the best and most efficient ways possible.” The Mexico Missionary Training Center. Photo by Jason Swensen, Church News. The Mexico Missionary Training Center. Photo by Jason Swensen, Church News. Missionaries study the three-dimensional map of the Mexico Missionary Training Center in August 2013. Photo by Jason Swensen, Deseret News.And then there is the Mexico MTC, which moved into the Church’s Benemerito de las Americas school campus in 2013. It boasts some 80 buildings over 88 acres and trails only Provo among the current 12 MTCs with a capacity of 1,160 and a 2018 training total of 4,902 missionaries. Brother Farias, an instructor, prays with Elder Abraham Gutierrez and Elder Puche while they role-play a home visit at the Brazil Missionary Training Center in São Paulo, Brazil, on Thursday, May 24, 2018. Photo by Spenser Heaps, Deseret News.With the closures, the Church now has <a href="https://www.lds.org/callings/missionary/missionary-training-centers?lang=eng">11 missionary training centers</a>—the aforementioned in Provo, Mexico, Brazil, Philippines, Ghana, and New Zealand, as well as the Argentina, Colombia, England, Guatemala, Peru, and South Africa MTCs. Elder Fernando Armindo Zuca, left, and Elder Jorge Gabriel, right, work with other missionaries on a lesson at the Brazil Missionary Training Center in São Paulo, Brazil on Thursday, May 24, 2018. Photo by Spenser Heaps, Deseret News.The three international missionary training centers closed in January 2019 were in Santiago, Chile, and Madrid, Spain, as <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-to-close-missionary-training-centers-in-spain-and-chile?lang=eng">announced</a> in March 2018; and in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, as <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-to-close-dominican-republic-mtc-in-january-2019?lang=eng">announced</a> in December 2018. The Argentina MTC in Buenos Aires is scheduled to close in July (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-to-close-argentina-missionary-training-center-in-july-2019?lang=eng">related story</a>). The announcements cited Church leaders continuing to seek the best use of resources worldwide, with plans for the future use of the facilities and space still being determined. The Philippines Missionary Training Center, which was expanded in 2017. Photo courtesy of Philippines Area.
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> The Provo Missionary Training Center in Provo on Wednesday, July 26, 2017. Newly constructed training buildings were added to accommodate more missionaries. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.</p>
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<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/12/310-2-even-with-recent-mtc-closers-more-new-missionaries-being-tra_13.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 595px;" class=""/><br/>
<sup>Graphics by Aaron Thorup, Church News.</sup>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> The Brazil Missionary Training Center in São Paulo, Brazil, is photographed on Thursday, May 24, 2018. Photo by Spenser Heaps, Deseret News.</p>
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“We’ve doubled the size in Manila,” Elder Nielson said, “and that one brings people in from all over Asia—missionaries from Pakistan, India, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China.” Missionaries study at the Provo Missionary Training Center in Provo on Wednesday, July 26, 2017. Newly constructed training buildings were added to accommodate more missionaries. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.During the recent <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/this-years-mtc-leadership-seminar-features-a-series-of-firsts?lang=eng">MTC Leadership Seminar</a> for the new presidents and companions serving in the Provo, Mexico, Brazil, Philippines, and New Zealand MTCs, Elder Nielson noted that those five centers collectively would be training 75 percent of this year’s projected 40,000 new missionaries.“These four have great capacity,” he said. The Peru Missionary Training Center in Lima, Peru on Friday, October 19, 2018. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.However, more missionaries have been trained outside of the flagship Provo Missionary Training Center for several years—and that trend is expected to increase this year and in years to come. Sister Graziele Lima Alves and Sister Fátima Luis Ndava work on a lesson together at the Brazil Missionary Training Center in São Paulo, Brazil, on Thursday, May 24, 2018. Photo by Spenser Heaps, Deseret News. The Provo Missionary Training Center in Provo on Wednesday, July 26, 2017. Newly constructed training buildings were added to accommodate more missionaries. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.With its roots dating back to the Language Training Mission of the early 1960s, the Provo MTC has a capacity of hosting 4,800 missionaries at a time, ending up having trained nearly 20,000 during 2018. Missionaries enjoy the temperate weather at the Mexico Missionary Training Center to practice their Spanish and practice training techniques in August 2013. Photo by Jason Swensen, Deseret News. The Provo Missionary Training Center. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News. Newly arriving missionaries say goodbye to family and friends and are aided by assisting missionaries at the Provo Missionary Training Center on January 16, 2019, in the MTC’s underground parking. Photo by Scott Taylor, Church News.With the closing of four of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ missionary training centers in Spain, Chile, Argentina, and the Dominican Republic, one might expect a subsequent decrease in the number of missionaries being trained at international locations.Steinagel underscored another benefit of fewer MTCs. “We’ll spend more resources and more time with these more established MTCs now,” he said, “and we may visit them more because they’re going to be getting more missionaries there.”This year, international MTCs are expected to collectively train their highest percentage of missionaries when compared to the Provo MTC. “Each year it has gone up about 1 percent,” said Lane Steinagel, the Missionary Department’s director of international MTCs, noting that last year, 53 percent of new missionaries were trained outside of the United States, compared to the Provo MTC’s 47 percent.The other large international training center is the Ghana MTC, which like the Philippines MTC also expanded in 2017; those two share similar facility designs and aesthetics to the Provo MTC buildings added that same year. The Ghana MTC has a capacity of 320 missionaries and trained 1,817 in 2018.<strong>Missonary Training Centers Around the World</strong>Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/brent-h-nielson?lang=eng">Brent H. Nielson</a>, a General Authority Seventy and Executive Director of the Church’s Missionary Department, points to the size and potential of several of the largest international MTCs—specifically the Mexico, Brazil, and Philippines MTCs, along with the one in Provo, Utah.The closing of MTCs is nothing new—other previous training centers that have since been shuttered include those in Tokyo, Japan, and Seoul, South Korea.“We have the capacity of 1,100 missionaries at a time, and right now, we usually have about 250 or 300,” Elder Nielson said. “We can triple the size of missionaries going to Mexico.”Operating since the late 1970s, the seven-story Brazil MTC in São Paulo has a capacity of 626 and trained 4,068 last year. “It’s not only saving costs; it’s making us more efficient in training the missionaries,” Elder Nielson said, adding that the decisions have nothing to do with the number of missionaries worldwide but taking advantage of available resources. “It’s been a good change.”</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/despite-recent-mtc-closures-more-new-missionaries-being-trained-internationally?lang=eng#3572759527Wed, 13 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
2019 Youth Theme Resources Include Album and Concert—by Youth, for Youth
https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-youth-theme-resources-include-album-and-concert-by-youth-for-youth?lang=eng
<p> Nicole Luz, a youth singer from Brazil, performs a song in Portuguese at the 2019 Mutual theme album concert on January 15, 2019.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/11/350-1%20Jordan%20James.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> <span style="font-size: 13px;">Jordan James sings his song, “Merciful,” from the 2019 Mutual album at a dress rehearsal for the Mutual album concert. Photo by Judy Alba.</span></p>
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Youth were also invited to participate during the concert via social media by sending Instagram messages to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ldsyouth/?hl=en">@ldsyouth</a> explaining how the gospel has brought them happiness.Youth, leaders, and other Church members are welcome to explore the following free 2019 Mutual theme resources on the 2019 <a href="https://www.lds.org/youth/theme/2019?lang=eng&amp;_r=1">youth theme homepage</a>:One of many responders, a young man named Marshall wrote: “There’s one thing I can always, always rely on: the grace of God. He hears us, He knows us, but most importantly, He loves us. Hearing these singers and the Spirit that has been here so far has brought me so much joy and happiness. Christ truly does live, and, by His grace, loves us more than we will ever know.”“We want to help the youth—wherever they are,” Breinholt said. “Since we have powerful music that's been created, my hope is to get that music out so that people know it's there and know that this is a resource to help them out.”For Camilo, the songs on the Mutual album can serve as reminders of testimonies youth already have about gospel principles. “The Spirit touches them in a way that reminds them of the truth of the principle in the song, and the good melodies just help to carry the message through.”The 2019 Mutual album concert on January 15 showcased music from the 2019 Mutual album, <em>If We Love Him.</em> The album is one of the Mutual theme resources available for Latter-day Saint youth as they learn more about the 2019 theme in <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/14.15?lang=eng#14" target="_blank">John 14:15</a>: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”Indeed—over 18,000 viewers tuned in to the 2019 Mutual album concert via Facebook live alone, leaving almost 500 comments of praise: “This music is beautiful!” wrote one youth; “I can feel God’s love through these songs. Thank youuu!!!” commented another. Youth even left comments in other languages: “Gracias por esto, lo necesitaba” (Thank you for this, I needed it).Seeing other youth on stage performing faith-building songs about Christ and the Church was powerful for the youth watching the concert, said Temple Square Performances administrator Judy Alba. Youth artists from the 2019 Mutual theme album sing at a dress rehearsal. Photo courtesy of Judy Alba.“Our audience is way out there in other places across the world,” Breinholt said of the concert’s intended international audience, “and they really appreciate this concert. They’re looking for these kinds of resources and connection.”“They didn’t realize that these songs were so tailored to them and to what they’re going through,” she said. “Some of them had never even heard the songs before they came, so they were excited to know that there was something out there especially for them.”
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/11/350-3%20Clarie%20Westcott.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> <span style="font-size: 13px;">Claire Westcott sings her song, “His Name,” from the 2019 Mutual album at a dress rehearsal for the Mutual album concert. Photo by Judy Alba.</span></p>
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<p><a href="https://www.lds.org/youth/theme/2019?lang=eng&amp;_r=1">Download</a> all the songs on the 2019 Mutual album or stream them on the <a href="https://www.lds.org/pages/mobileapps?lang=eng#lds-music">LDS Music app</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/6amtC65WTFIrtPA8MRJMBp?si=--urh4XQSWal9HJ73L107g">Spotify</a>, or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZIPqwf5NkA&amp;list=PLe0BvbTylcNMdq7fOJD9O0htEPYvPfldg">YouTube</a>.</p>
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<p>Watch the 2019 Mutual theme album concert on the <a href="https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2019-if-ye-love-me-keep-my-commandments?lang=eng">LDS Media Library</a>, or via the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ldsyouth/videos/319284682040740/">LDS Youth Facebook page</a>.</p>
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<p>Find free “If We Love Him” sheet music (<a href="https://www.lds.org/youth/bc/youth/theme/2019/sheet-music/eng/IfWeLoveHim000FINAL.pdf?lang=eng">female</a> and <a href="https://www.lds.org/youth/bc/youth/theme/2019/lyrics/eng/11IfWeLoveHim000MaleVersionFINAL.pdf?lang=eng">male</a> versions).</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.lds.org/liahona/2019/01/youth/if-ye-love-me-keep-my-commandments-john-14-15/if-ye-love-me?lang=eng">Read more</a> about the 2019 theme from the Young Women General Presidency.</p>
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<p>Find more inspiring content for youth on the <a href="https://www.lds.org/youth?lang=eng">LDS.org youth homepage</a>.</p>
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<p>Follow @LDSYouth on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ldsyouth/?__tn__=%2CdkC-R&amp;eid=ARA-HGCg3UiaWRQ2qc5cpQ3Vg9L3Zcht9-6Y0hf-9GaMe8fBUVaT807GLGyOL0XREsEI8d8gHbuVUUpD&amp;hc_ref=ARQv-AZ9eRecRX3rxr6nwLju9tCuAOmNmnB0CzngJQ8DifWp4NqaWLI3mC7PLjeQo6Y">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ldsyouth/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCciPSR2honmSdLAN2PAJujA">YouTube</a> for more uplifting messages.</p>
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<p>Download 2019 Mutual theme <a href="https://www.lds.org/youth/theme/2019?lang=eng&amp;_r=1">posters, T-shirt designs, and logos</a>.</p>
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<p>Download and share the “If We Love Him” <a href="https://www.lds.org/youth/theme/2019?lang=eng&amp;_r=1">music video</a>.</p>
</li><strong>The power of music to build testimony</strong>“Some youth seem to come with a lot of skepticism—not sure if they're going to like the activity,” Breinholt laughed, “and then they hear this music—they see these youth singing, they hear the talent level, they get the connection to what some of the text is in the music—and it starts to really impact them. I think they’re shocked. They’re surprised that it’s as powerful for them as it is.”Thousands more youth as far away as the Philippines, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia were tuning in via Facebook live, sharing their excitement for the concert through Facebook comments with smiling and waving emoji.Mutual theme product manager Fernando Camilo said the theme has a special unifying power for youth across the globe. From sharing the same 2019 theme T-shirts at For the Strength of Youth conferences to singing the same theme song in their native language, he said the single message creates a camaraderie between youth everywhere in their journey to learn about the Mutual theme scripture.“Music is the quickest way to touch somebody’s soul,” she said. “It just seems to be something that can immediately give a feeling or bear testimony of the words that are spoken. It’s a really strong driving force, especially for youth that are looking for things that are positive in the world today.”
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/11/350-1%20Talin%20Everett.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> <span style="font-size: 13px;">Talin Everett sings his song, “Forget,” from the 2019 Mutual album at a dress rehearsal for the Mutual album concert. Photo by Judy Alba.</span></p>
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The Mutual album concert—now in its second year—featured performances from youth singers who helped record and write songs on this year’s Mutual album, including the 2019 theme song, “If We Love Him.” The album (<a href="https://www.lds.org/youth/theme/2019?lang=eng">available for free download</a>) is now in its seventh year and features a variety of uplifting, modern songs by youth, for youth worldwide. The <a href="https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2019-if-ye-love-me-keep-my-commandments?lang=eng">video of the concert</a> is another good resource to help youth learn and appreciate the 2019 Mutual theme. Youth artists from the 2019 Mutual theme album take a bow after the Mutual album concert on January 15, 2019, in the Tabernacle at Temple Square. Church composer Nik Day and guitarist Brady Bills accompany youth performers at a dress rehearsal for the 2019 Mutual theme album concert. Photo by Judy Alba.“There are youth in Japan and youth in Ghana and youth in France all learning about this scripture together—a lot of them memorizing it,” Camilo said. “It’s a unique experience that every year there’s something to look forward to. They love it—just look at the social media comments.”Youth started filling the Tabernacle pews at <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/events/temple-square-events?lang=eng">Temple Square</a>, smiling and chattering as their ward leaders shuffled them along to settle in their seats before the concert began. But those few hundred Sunday-dress-clad youth weren’t the only ones about to watch the <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-announces-2019-mutual-theme-for-youth?lang=eng">2019 Mutual theme</a> album concert.Many of the youth leaders in attendance were surprised as well, Breinholt said. After all, most of the songs aren’t exactly the sort you’d expect to find in a typical sacrament meeting. “In some ways, that’s a real bonus,” he said. “It’s the kind of music youth want to listen to during their week to get them pumped up and jazzed up.”<strong>2019 Mutual theme resources</strong>More than anything, Breinholt pointed out, the 2019 Mutual album and concert are meant to help youth know that there are positive, uplifting resources for them to access through the Church.<strong>A unified message for youth everywhere</strong>Each year, the Mutual theme song is translated into over 30 languages. Often, the song is performed and recorded by Church members all over the world. The entire album is translated in Spanish and Portuguese, though some local areas in Europe and other countries also translate and record songs themselves.Although Temple Square Performances coordinator Stephen Breinholt suspected some youth attended the Tuesday-night concert somewhat reluctantly (as Breinholt, his own ward’s Young Men president, would know), he saw their attitudes shift the moment the music began.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/11/350-1%20Elica%20Moore.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> <span style="font-size: 13px;">Elica Moore sings her song, “Rest,” from the 2019 Mutual album at a dress rehearsal for the Mutual album concert. Photo by Judy Alba.</span></p>
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But more than that, the songs are geared toward giving youth a testimony-building resource to turn to amid the negative media pervading their daily routines. Music, Alba said, can be an especially poignant tool for good.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-youth-theme-resources-include-album-and-concert-by-youth-for-youth?lang=eng#1525000310Tue, 12 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Dating in the Age of Ambiguity: Scholar Shares 7 Tips for Those Working Toward Marriage
https://www.lds.org/church/news/dating-in-the-age-of-ambiguity-scholar-shares-7-tips-for-those-working-toward-marriage?lang=eng
<p>Be realistic about potential mates; don’t look for perfection, Dr. Stanley said, because it’s highly unlikely that perfection is what you can offer them. Rather, look for someone who can be a good partner and match, he said.Today’s dating culture has become one of fear, anxiety, and unrealistic expectations. Rather than committing to something that doesn’t meet a person’s “sky-high” expectations, people often simply delay making committed relationship choices or opt to only half-heartedly commit to the relationships they do find. As a result, the number of people choosing the path of marriage has plummeted in recent years while ambiguous relationships like those created by cohabitation and asymmetrical commitments have increased instability for children and families.“I feel like I’m already starting to look back on relationships and think, ‘What was I doing there?’” Pixton said. “Most of the reasons I was probably ambiguous are reasons [Dr. Stanley] stated. Being afraid of rejection—I really don’t like rejection. … It’s difficult to open myself up emotionally and be vulnerable there. Most people tend to be ambiguous because they are hoping to avoid pain.”Imagine you are on a playground and you spot a giant, old-school teeter-totter. It's bright yellow and it rises well above your head on the upside. You look around the playground, find someone who looks well suited to be your partner, and together you climb onto your opposing seats. Rising and falling, you bounce up and down, enjoying the ride. Feeling confident that you and your partner have found a good rhythm, you tuck your feet up off the ground, trusting that the balance and rhythm will continue. Then, just as you begin to relax in your new position, your partner, across from you and on their way back to the ground, turns their legs to the side, and casually rolls off their seat as they touch the ground. High in the air on the other side it hits you: you're about to come crashing down.The fact that the acronym exists explains that people are trying to find ways to signal their commitment, Pixton said, but whether or not it actually happens or when it should happen is often less clear.Looking back 40 years ago or so, there were pretty clear steps or stages that signaled where a couple was in their relationship with one another.Speaking about the idea of struggling to define a commitment, freshman student Dallin Ward said, “I think it’s understandable people are afraid. It’s hard to say if we’re a ‘thing’ or not.”<strong>Signaling, ambiguity, and the big delay</strong>Noting the types dating “signals” at play in the BYU dating culture, sophomore Micah Pixton added, “I think there’s at least a tacit agreement that you should DTR (define the relationship) at some point.”Listing three main types of people in play on the relationship fields of today’s world, Dr. Stanley explained: there’s the seekers, those actively looking to find a partner—which he joked was likely most of the BYU student population; the delayers, those who are determined to not get tied down to any one person or relationship; and the wanderers, or those who are just in and out of the dating scene without giving much thought to what they want.<strong>Advice for singles who are searching</strong>But there have been dramatic changes in the last few decades in terms of the ways relationships, marriages, and families do or don’t form, explained Dr. Stanley during his presentation at the 15th Annual Marjorie Pay Hinckley Lecture.But even among those who are actively seeking committed relationships, fewer people overall are getting married nowadays, and those who are getting married are doing so at later ages than ever before—a phenomenon he referred to as “The Big Delay.” Guest speaker Dr. Scott Stanley of the University of Denver speaks about the challenges of dating and marriage during the 15th Annual Marjorie Pay Hinckley Lecture. Photo by Aislynn Edwards, BYU Photo. Students attending the 15th Annual Marjorie Pay Hinckley Lecture on February 7, 2019, listen to guest speaker Dr. Scott Stanley in the Hinckley building on the BYU campus. Photo by Aislynn Edwards, BYU Photo.“Secure commitments are clearly signaled … but ambiguity is the flavor of the age,” he said. The results are a phenomenon of ambiguous and often asymmetrical relationships where one partner is more clearly committed than the other.<li>1. Leaving tips for those still in the dating scene, Dr. Stanley concluded with the following dating advice:</li><li>2. Take it slow. “Don’t go too fast, keep your eyes open, and be gathering information.” Some people search too little, and some search too long. There are consequences for both, Dr. Stanley said. “But take it slow.”</li><li>3. Look for valid signals. While signals will vary between different groups and cultures, he said, “there will be reliable signals if you stop and think about it.” Sometimes the best signals will come in the “unscripted” moments when people simply reveal who they really are and what they want.</li><li>4. Pay attention to red flags. A person’s little behaviors can reveal a lot about them, Dr. Stanley noted. Pay attention, he said, and “when you get a ton of information, believe it.”</li><li>5. Look for someone who shares your beliefs and values.</li><li>6. Avoid high-cost slides. Dr. Stanley noted the importance of making choices about how relationships move forward rather than simply sliding into new situations that will increase the relationship constraints.</li><li>7. Do premarital training. It’s something everyone can benefit from, he noted, and it’s better to do it early.</li>“In my day … you asked a girl out, and you went out a few times on dates,” Dr. Stanley said. “The next thing was one of you would say, ‘You want to go steady?’ ‘Sure.’ And that’s the whole discussion.”In his conclusion, Dr. Stanley described how marriage will continue to become a stronger and more powerful signal of the best relationships over time, and as such, working toward it is still an economically and socially wise goal, particularly for those guided by their beliefs toward it.Dating, relationships, and marriage aren’t quite what they used to be, Dr. Stanley said while speaking to students, faculty, and alumni on the BYU campus in Provo, Utah, on Thursday, February 7.For some of the students in attendance at that the lecture, Dr. Stanley’s research felt spot on for their college dating experiences so far.Where social norms or patterns used to exist to help signal and define the status of relationships as they progressed, there now exists a seemingly purposeful lack of defining signals in dating. Both fear and a lack of skill in communicating clearly have become driving factors in creating ambiguous, or not clearly defined, relationships, Dr. Stanley noted, so people often fail to communicate what they want or don’t want from their relationships.For Dr. Scott Stanley, a research professor of marital and family studies from the University of Denver, that's the metaphor of choice when describing what he calls “asymmetrically committed relationships.”Dr. Stanley’s research has helped shape much of the academic dialogue surrounding the topics of marriage and families in the U.S., and his theories about the effects of ambiguity among those searching for relationships in today’s dating environment heavily stress the negative effects of asymmetrical commitments.In many ways, on the broader scale, marriage is becoming less common, but it is increasing in status. Marriage is viewed as a somewhat unattainable gold-standard, particularly by populations unlikely to feel economically and culturally secure enough to attain it. And while Dr. Stanley noted that exceptions are found primarily in highly educated or highly religious environments or cultures—like those created at BYU or by members of the Church in general—where belief systems regarding the importance of marriage tend to outweigh the social trends of the day, many of the current dating phenomenons can still appear even in societies where marriage is still a common practice or goal.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/dating-in-the-age-of-ambiguity-scholar-shares-7-tips-for-those-working-toward-marriage?lang=eng#431719393Tue, 12 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Set Any Reading Goals? New Study Plans Feature in Gospel Library App Can Help
https://www.lds.org/church/news/set-any-reading-goals-new-study-plans-feature-in-gospel-library-app-can-help?lang=eng
<p>Adding a reminder can help you stay on task. Just select the time you want to receive an on-screen reminder to study.If you like to make lists, set goals, and check off accomplishments, you’ll love the new Study Plans feature in the latest update of the <a href="https://www.lds.org/pages/mobileapps/gospellibrary?lang=eng">Gospel Library app</a>.Choose from any of the hundreds of pieces of content in the Gospel Library app.<li value="3">
<p style="margin-left: 40px;"><strong>Add a reminder</strong></p>
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<p style="margin-left: 40px;"><strong>Set a schedule</strong></p>
</li>Perhaps you want to read the entire New Testament by the end of the year or set a regular schedule for studying <a href="https://www.lds.org/manual/come-follow-me?lang=eng&amp;cid=rdb_v_come-follow-me_eng">Come, Follow Me</a> lessons each week. Maybe you want to study all the general conference talks from October before the April sessions begin.When you’re finished selecting options, your newly created study plan appears. When you click on the plan, each chapter, article, or section appears next to a check box, making it easy for you to track your progress.“We are pleased to add the Study Plans feature in the Gospel Library app,” said Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/lynn-g-robbins?lang=eng">Lynn G. Robbins</a> of the Seventy. “The Church continues to innovate its resources to better support the new home-centered approach to gospel learning.”Setting a schedule will help you see how much to read to finish on time. Simply select “daily,” or click on the specific days you wish to study, add beginning and end dates, and indicate whether you want to allow chapters to be split. Check boxes and a list of what to study help you visualize your plan and track your progress. Creating one or more study plans is quick and easy.Regardless of the content you wish to study, Study Plans automatically calculates exactly how much you need to read to meet the goal by the date you set. And if you miss a day or two, don’t worry. The study plan can be recalculated so you can still accomplish your goal.Study Plans helps you set up a schedule for studying any content found in the Gospel Library app.To create a study plan, open the Gospel Library app, select <strong>Study Plans</strong> from the <strong>Library</strong> menu, then select the content you wish to study. You then have the option of setting a schedule and adding a reminder.<li>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;"><strong>Select content</strong></p>
</li>Available now for both iOS and Android devices, Study Plans helps you easily continue from where you left off. You can also create multiple study plans.<strong>How to create a study plan</strong></p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/set-any-reading-goals-new-study-plans-feature-in-gospel-library-app-can-help?lang=eng#1832549664Mon, 11 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
This 99-Year-Old Wants to Spend Her 100th Birthday Doing One Thing: Missionary Work
https://www.lds.org/church/news/this-99-year-old-wants-to-spend-her-100th-birthday-doing-one-thing-missionary-work?lang=eng
<p>Stephan laughed as she described how Leighton gets back and forth to the library or church each week. “Nellie uses her Jazzy. And if you could see her roaring down West Temple … she has no fear. She just charges along, and I can’t keep up with her.”At the library, Leighton’s main role is to sit at the third floor visitors’ desk two days a week where she greets visitors and points them in the right direction if they are looking for help with family history research.At 99 years old, there aren’t a lot of things Nellie Leighton hasn’t seen or experienced.As her 100th birthday approaches, Leighton said there is nothing she would rather be doing with her time than serving the Lord as a missionary in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.That’s one of the amazing things about Leighton, explained her granddaughter Julie Roe. She couldn’t hold a grudge if she tried.By all who know her, Leighton is described as a kind, joyful, service-oriented, slightly stubborn, spiritual, and strong woman. And when asked what is most important to her, Leighton doesn’t hesitate in her answer.But that’s just the way she’s always been, said Leighton’s daughter Kathleen Bailey. Sharing a story from 1996 when Leighton was busy traveling around the world with her siblings and children, Bailey recounted her mother’s reaction when faced with the challenge of climbing stairs to the top on the Great Wall of China at the age of 77.“I think it’s unusual to have a missionary reach the age of 100. I can’t name another missionary who has reached that,” said Rick Turley, Leighton’s close friend, former Church historian, and current managing director of the Church’s Public Affairs Department. “When you add up her total years of missionary service, it’s phenomenal. But she’s an example of how, if you have a desire and your health and abilities allow it, you can continue to serve.” A birthday party invitation for Nellie Leighton’s 100th birthday is looked over in Salt Lake City on January 22, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.As Stephan described her, Leighton is a great neighbor and a great example of what it means to be a disciple of Christ.“I look forward to going over there to greet and meet people. I have so many friends,” she said. “So I just enjoy getting up, getting dressed and looking nice, and being able to smile. You don’t often get to laugh by yourself at home.” Nellie Leighton, 99, wheels to her missionary work at the Family History Library with her friend Beverley Stephan and daughter Kathleen Bailey in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, January 22, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.“I didn’t know Nellie on a personal level at that point,” he said. “I got to know her afterwards … and when I learned later on that she went through repair surgery and then went right back to her post, I instantly had admiration for this 80-year-old woman. … To me, it was just a model of brave behavior, and she became my hero.”
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/07/350-the-100-year-old-missionary_9.jpg" alt="" style="width: 308px; height: 504px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Nellie Leighton, 99, welcomes visitors to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. Leighton has served as a senior missionary for 20 years. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.</p>
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“It’s coming so fast,” Leighton said of her birthday. “I just want to be a 100-year-old missionary and live that long, if Heavenly Father lets me.”“We didn’t want to go up, but Mom said, ‘I came all this way and I’m doing it,’” Bailey said. So they helped her climb the steps to the top. Nellie Leighton, 99, uses a magnifying glass for her missionary work at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, January 22, 2019. Leighton will celebrate her 100th birthday in February. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News. Nellie Leighton, 99, talks with a friend at her home in Salt Lake City on January 22, 2019. Leighton is turning 100 in February. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.Matching this 99-year-old’s energy level can be a feat. “I get tired, you know, but she is 99 and she’s still running around like a spring chicken,” Stephan said. Nellie Leighton, 99, talks with a fellow missionary at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, January 22, 2019. Leighton wants to keep serving as a missionary as long as she’s able. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.For Leighton, serving as a senior missionary gives her a sense of purpose each day.With her deteriorating eyesight, Leighton is now legally blind, but her mind is as sharp as ever. If you ask her the phone number of one of her children or grandchildren, she chimes out the memorized number as if she were reading it out of the directory. And since she can no longer see to read, she spends much of her time continuing to learn and study with the help of audiobooks.Nearly 20 years ago, on April 15, 1999, a lone gunman entered the library on West Temple and opened fire, killing two and injuring another three—including Leighton. But if you ask her about that incident today, there is no animosity in her voice.“I don’t even have a scar,” she said, turning her head to show the right side of her face where she was shot by the gunman. “I was the first one shot. He shot me right in the face … but somehow, I wasn’t afraid. I just kept praying and asking Heavenly Father for help, and I guess when talking to Heavenly Father, you can’t be afraid.”“She’s a wonderful mother, and she just continues to support everyone. She tries to keep up with everybody, and she likes to run things,” Bailey said, noting that despite protests from her children and grandchildren, Leighton has tried to be involved in all the plans for her upcoming 100th birthday bash. Nellie Leighton, 99, wheels to her missionary work at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, January 22, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.<strong>Determined not to slow down</strong>Leighton is never focused on herself. Anytime a family member or a friend needs anything, Leighton is the first one there to help provide it, Roe explained.Up until now, her whole life has been about serving others and serving God, and if you ask her what she wants for the rest of the time she has left, the answer is the same.“Yeah, we’re a good pair,” Stephan agreed.<strong>20 years of missionary service</strong> Nellie Leighton, 99, left, talks with fellow missionary Carolyn Woodman at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.“There’s never been any hesitation. You don’t have to prequalify for her generosity, it’s just given. No questions asked,” Roe said. “She believes in love, and that’s her guiding light.”“I just love being a missionary and serving Heavenly Father there, but also serving the people that come into the library,” Leighton said. “For 17 years I sat at the front door and greeted everybody that came in and went out, and I miss that.”“Her spirituality is without measure. It is so strong,” Stephan said. “And it is so important for her to go over every first Sunday of the month and give her testimony. Even if she doesn’t feel good, she goes over in the Jazzy and gets up there and gives her testimony, and it’s such a sweet testimony.”For Turley, it’s Leighton’s ability to forgive and forget that make her such a remarkable person. Nellie Leighton, 99, right, laughs with her friend and neighbor Beverley Stephan at her home on Tuesday, January 22, 2019. Stephan says Leighton is a great example of Christlike behavior. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.“We’re a good pair,” Leighton said laughing. “She can’t hear, and I can’t see.”<strong>Consistent for 100 years</strong>
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/07/350-the-100-year-old-missionary_7.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> A wedding photo of Nellie Leighton and her husband displayed at her home in Salt Lake City. Leighton celebrates her 100th birthday in February. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.</p>
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<strong>A pattern of faith and forgiveness</strong>“I just want to serve my Heavenly Father,” she says, smiling.Sitting across from each other in Leighton’s West Temple apartment overlooking Temple Square, Leighton and her long-time friend and neighbor Beverley Stephan, 91, joke about their old age.For the past 20 years, she has served as a senior missionary in the Church’s Family History Library, and, with any luck, that’s exactly what she’ll be doing when her birthday comes around this month.“That’s why she’s my hero,” Turley said. “She tends to take life’s challenges and just make the best of them. If there’s an obstacle, she just finds a way around it and keeps going.”She’s been through a lot in her 100 years of life, but with each speed bump she encounters, she gets up and moves on, Bailey said.Although surprising that no physical damage from the bullet is visible, it’s even more surprising that Leighton seems to have no emotional scars from the incident. She discussed the shooting in a calm, matter-of-fact tone, only showing the slightest hint of emotion when she mentioned the death of her friend John Thomas, who worked as a security guard at the library and died during the shooting, or when she notes that there were angels standing watch over her and the others spared in the library that day.“I was practically raised by her … and I never saw her get angry; she never held a grudge and was always very quick to forgive everything,” Roe said. “She never changes as a person. Her personality has been consistent for 100 years.”Leighton explained that the library was redone a few years ago and the visitors’ desk was moved from the first floor to the third floor. But even with the change, Leighton said, “It sure beats sitting at home and doing nothing.”“I’ve learned to forgive and be kind. I never had any animosity towards him,” Leighton said of the shooter, Sergei Barbarin. “I just felt sorry for him and his family.”Recalling a poignant moment in their shared history, Roe recounted a time when she was staying with her grandmother and walked past her bedroom door before turning in for the night. “She was in her 70s … and I saw her kneeling to pray,” Roe said. “At a time when most people probably wouldn’t be kneeling, that stood out to me. That was dedication.”“She genuinely cares about people. She has a great desire to serve,” Turley said.Born February 18, 1919, in Provo, Utah, she grew up in a small home with no plumbing, partial electricity, and a large coal-burning stove for heat. Her teenage years were marked by the Great Depression, and her early years of marriage and motherhood were similarly colored by the effects of World War II. In the 1950s and 60s, following the trend of many women, she joined the workforce when she took a job selling Tupperware. And, in 1999, a little over a year into her time serving as a senior missionary at the Family History Library at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, Leighton was shot in the head by an intruder who took the lives of two others.Leighton added, “She’s the best medicine I’ve ever had. She makes me laugh.”</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/this-99-year-old-wants-to-spend-her-100th-birthday-doing-one-thing-missionary-work?lang=eng#167428605Mon, 11 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Sister Eubank Presents Funds Raised in Church-Sponsored “Giving Machines” to Utah Charities
https://www.lds.org/church/news/sister-eubank-presents-funds-raised-in-church-sponsored-giving-machines-to-utah-charities?lang=eng
<p>In all, giving machine “customers” donated more than $2.3 million in 2018.The giving machine funds will provide the refugees—many who come from war-torn regions of Africa and the Middle East—with gas cards, bus passes, cleaning kits, diapers, and other essential items.On February 7, Sister <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/sharon-eubank?lang=eng">Sharon Eubank</a>, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, delivered checks to the Salt Lake-area organizations. She admits passing along the donated funds was a lot of fun. She knows many of her fellow Utahns would soon be the beneficiaries of the giving machines.Serving and befriending refugees who have settled in the Beehive State can be, at once, simple and life changing, she added.The “giving machine” gift will buy more than 600,000 meals, said Bott. “It will make a huge difference for multiple families—not just in Salt Lake, but across the entire state.”If you visited the Joseph Smith Memorial Building anytime from late November through the end of December, you likely saw “giving machines”—those large, red vending machines where people donated money to purchase food, clothing, eyeglasses, medicine, livestock, or even sporting equipment to help families and individuals in need across the globe.Harmer said the gift would help many in Utah’s growing refugee communities as they make homes in their new communities and connect with new neighbors. Sister Sharon Eubank chats with Eye Care 4 Kids bookkeeper Christie Allred at Eye Care 4 Kids in Midvale, Utah, on Thursday, February 7, 2019. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.“For many refugees, their most important need is a friend.” Abrile Vale tries on glasses at Eye Care 4 Kids in Midvale on Thursday, February 7, 2019. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ 2018 Light the World campaign raised more than $93,000 for Eye Care 4 Kids. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presented cash donations February 7 to the Utah Food Bank, Eye Care 4 Kids, and the Utah Refugee Connection. All the money was raised through Church-sponsored “giving machines” during its Light the World holiday service campaign.Sister Eubank then moved on to the Midvale office of Eye Care 4 Kids, where she presented a donation of almost $94,000.“We are humbled and grateful to the thousands who donated funds to this global project,” says Joseph Carbone, Eye Care 4 Kids founder and president. “We anticipate these funds will directly benefit nearly 4,000 children who desperately need glasses and, beyond that, will provide a new world of vision, understanding, and hope as these children see things more clearly for the first time.”“Anybody can do anything to help someone else,” she said. “We are all givers and receivers at the same time.” Sister Sharon Eubank; Tohid Shokouhi, Eye Care 4 Kids optician and lab manager; and Joseph Carbone, president and founder of Eye Care 4 Kids, chat at Eye Care 4 Kids on Thursday, February 7, 2019. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ 2018 Light the World campaign raised more than $93,000 for Eye Care 4 Kids. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.The Light the World campaign, she said, allowed legions to exercise their faith in Jesus Christ by serving others. The local donations were also reminders that charity-minded people in Utah need not travel to another corner of the world to serve others in need.Sister Eubank began her afternoon by making a stop at the Utah Food Bank warehouse in South Salt Lake, where she presented the organization’s president and CEO, Ginette Bott, with a check for $163,718.Bott added she was uplifted knowing so many of the giving machine donors were children. A new generation of compassion is being built as young people discover the joy of caring for others.It’s estimated that one in four children need some kind of corrective eyewear.The festive lights and ornaments were likely stashed away weeks ago—but the holiday season stretched into mid-February for a trio of Utah humanitarian organizations.The afternoon of giving ended at the Utah Refugee Connection headquarters, where Sister Eubank presented executive director Amy Harmer with a donation of more than $40,000.Other giving machines were placed in the Water Tower Plaza in Gilbert, Arizona; on the site of the Manhattan New York Temple in New York City; in the Hyde Park Visitors’ Center in London; and in the SM Mega Mall in Manila, Philippines.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/sister-eubank-presents-funds-raised-in-church-sponsored-giving-machines-to-utah-charities?lang=eng#3439750119Mon, 11 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
2019 Mission Presidents Called to Guatemala, India, Uganda, and More
https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-guatemala-india-uganda-and-more?lang=eng
<p><strong>Meredith H. Packard</strong>, 53, and <strong>Corinne S. Packard</strong>, six children, McKinney 7th Ward, McKinney Texas Stake: Perú Lima North Mission, succeeding President Matthew R Godfrey and Sister Monica A. Godfrey. Sister Jones is a stake seminary supervisor and a former ward Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary president and seminary teacher. She was born in Spanish Fork, Utah, to Roy Wylie Lundell and Carol H Boyack Lundell.Sister Wood is a stake Relief Society presidency counselor and a former ward Relief Society and Primary president; ward Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary presidency counselor; Primary music leader; Relief Society teacher; Gospel Doctrine teacher; ward missionary; and missionary in the Italy Catania Mission. She was born in Neubrucke, Germany, to Garth Lowe Geddes and Nordith Geddes.<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/08/new-mission-leaders-called-to-serve_14.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Karen K. and Ted A. Thomas</p>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Jared R. and Jessica Galindo de Ocampo</p>
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Brother Soto is a stake presidency counselor and a former stake president, bishop, mission presidency counselor, area public affairs director, and missionary in the Honduras Mission. He was born in San José, Costa Rica, to Rodrigo Alvaro Soto Coto and Dinorah Bolaños Badilla.<strong>India Bengaluru Mission</strong>Sister Price is a Young Women adviser and a former ward Young Women president, ward Relief Society and Primary presidency counselor, and Primary teacher. She was born in Heber, Utah, to Frederick Glen Carlile and Janice Ellen Johnson Carlile.<strong>Jared R. Ocampo</strong>, 44, and <strong>Jessica</strong> <strong>Galindo de Ocampo</strong>, four children, Arrazola Ward, Guatemala City Don Justo Stake: Texas McAllen Mission, succeeding President José S. Torres Caballero and Sister Vicky A. Godoy de Torres. Brother Wood is a ward Young Men presidency counselor and a former stake president, stake clerk, bishop, high councilor, Gospel Doctrine teacher, and missionary in the Italy Padova Mission. He was born in Salt Lake City to Franklin Snow Wood and Nellee Jean Abraham.Sister Barros is a ward Relief Society president and a former ward Young Women and Primary president and ward Relief Society and Primary presidency counselor. She was born in Patos, Paraíba, Brazil, to Jaime Miguel de Araujo and Maria Auxiliadora Bolzan.Brother Sturm is a high councilor and a former stake presidency counselor, bishop, branch president, and missionary in the Japan Kobe Mission. He was born in Carmichael, California, to Arthur William Sturm and Barbara D. Lythgoe Sturm.Brother Thomas is a stake president and a former stake presidency counselor, stake Young Men president, bishop, seminary teacher, and ward mission leader. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Theodore E Thomas and Georgia Louise Miller.<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/08/new-mission-leaders-called-to-serve_16.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> James F. and Christine G. Wood</p>
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<strong>Ted A. Thomas</strong>, 62, and <strong>Karen K. Thomas</strong>, eight children, Leavenworth 1st Ward, Platte City Stake: India Bengaluru Mission, succeeding President Fred M. Mortensen and Sister Shauna A. Mortensen. Brother Smith is a Sunday School teacher and a former stake presidency counselor, bishop, high councilor, ward Young Men president, ward Young Men adviser, and missionary in the Italy Milan Mission. He was born in Salt Lake City to Donald Eugene Smith and Alice Barratt Smith.<strong>Benjamin Poóu</strong>, 45, and <strong>Hilda Poóu</strong>, five children, Coban 2nd Ward, Coban Guatemala Stake: Guatemala Cobán Mission, succeeding President Carlos A. Faundez Maureira and Sister Teresa Riquelme Faundez. Brother Poóu is a mission presidency counselor and public affairs director and a former stake presidency counselor, bishop, high councilor, institute teacher, and missionary in the Honduras Tegucigalpa Mission. He was born in in Senahú, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, to José Herculano Poou Choc and Margarita Alva Yat.<strong>Gary S. Price</strong>, 59, and <strong>Julie C. Price</strong>, six children, Shepard View Ward, Farmington Utah North Stake: Liberia Monrovia Mission, succeeding President Doug Clark and Sister Michelle Clark. Sister Poóu is a stake Relief Society presidency counselor and a former ward Young Women president, ward Primary presidency counselor, and Relief Society teacher. She was born in Finca El Volcan, Senahu, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, to Ramiro Chiquín Cabnal and Cecilia Bac de Chiquin.<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/08/new-mission-leaders-called-to-serve_10.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Edward R. and Carolyn Rasmussen</p>
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Sister McKinnon is a stake young single adult adviser and a former stake Young Women president, ward Relief Society and Young Women president, ward Young Women camp director, and seminary teacher. She was born in Provo, Utah, to Fred Ares Rowe and Sherrel Gay Butler Rowe.Sister Cordón is a stake self-reliance specialist and a former stake Young Women presidency counselor, stake employment specialist, ward Relief Society and Young Women president, ward Young Women presidency counselor, and seminary teacher. She was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala, to Ronald Mackinley Zea and Irma Julieta Diaz.<strong>Maurice D. Jones</strong>, 59, and <strong>Patrice Jones</strong>, five children, Manitowoc Ward, Green Bay Wisconsin Stake: México Mérida Mission, succeeding President Abel Ruiz Valadez and Sister Rocio Ángel de Ruiz. <strong>Brazil Piracicaba Mission</strong><strong>Dale A. Sturm</strong>, 55, and <strong>Valerie Sturm</strong>, five children, Plano Ward, Rexburg Idaho Henry’s Fork Stake: Iowa Des Moines Mission, succeeding President Briant T. Badger and Sister Cynthia Badger. Brother McKinnon is a bishop and a former stake president, branch president, stake executive secretary, stake Young Men president, ward Young Men president, and missionary in the Brazil Porto Alegre Mission. He was born in Salt Lake City to Gary Francis McKinnon and Linda Rose Kempton McKinnon.Brother Barros is a bishopric counselor and a former stake president, stake presidency counselor, bishop, and missionary in the Brazil Brasilia Mission. He was born in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil, to Antonio de Albuquerque Barros and Maria de Fatima Vasconcelos Barros.Brother Jones is a stake president and a former stake presidency counselor, stake mission president, bishop, high councilor, bishopric counselor, and missionary in the Uruguay Montevideo Mission. He was born in Murray, Utah, to Merlyn Paul Jones Sr. and Rosemary Wright.<strong>Walter Chatora</strong>, 53, and <strong>Diana Chatora</strong>, three children, Centurion 1st Ward, Centurion South Africa Stake: Uganda Kampala Mission, succeeding President Stephen H. Collings and Sister Tracy Ann Collings. Sister Ocampo is a stake Relief Society presidency counselor and seminary teacher and a former stake Primary president, stake Relief Society and Primary presidency counselor, ward Primary president, and missionary in the San Salvador El Salvador East Mission. She was born in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, to Gonzalo Galindo Galo and Anna Bessy Flores Milla.Sister Wilde is an institute teacher and a former ward Primary president, ward Young Women presidency counselor, Young Women adviser, Sunday School teacher, activity days leader, and Church-service missionary. She was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, to Michael Simkins and Shanna Hunt.<strong>Oregon Salem Mission</strong>Brother Wilde is a counselor in a young single adult stake presidency and a former stake presidency counselor, bishop, ward Young Men president, elders quorum president, Sunday School teacher, and missionary in the Taiwan Taipei Mission. He was born in Encino, California, to Loren Clyde Wilde and Caroline Busone.Sister Thomas is a ward temple and family history consultant and a former stake Relief Society and Young Women presidency counselor and ward Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary president. She was born in St. Charles, Illinois, to David Mitchell Krafft and Arlene Faith Kruse.<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/08/new-mission-leaders-called-to-serve_12.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Maritza Muñoz and Rodrigo B. Soto Bolaños</p>
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<strong>James F. Wood</strong>, 59, and <strong>Christine G. Wood</strong>, four children, Imperial 2nd Ward, Salt Lake Highland Stake: Florida Jacksonville Mission, succeeding President Brent I. Lee and Sister Jacque S. Lee. <strong>Texas McAllen Mission</strong><img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/08/new-mission-leaders-called-to-serve_3.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Valeri V. and Glenda Cordón</p>
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Sister Packard is a stake Primary president and a former stake music chairman, ward Primary presidency counselor, ward Young Women camp director, Primary music leader, and ward organist. She was born in Boise, Idaho, to Robert Edward Simmons and Elzada Corinne Young.<strong>Italy Rome Mission</strong>Sister Rasmussen is a temple ordinance worker and choir director and a former stake Young Women camp director, ward Young Women president, ward Relief Society and Primary presidency counselor, Relief Society teacher, and ward organist. She was born in Alamosa, Colorado, to John Lynn Shawcroft and Dorothea Carol Shawcroft.Brother Packard is a ward Young Men president and a former stake president, bishop, stake mission president, bishopric counselor, Young Men adviser, and missionary in the Ecuador Guayaquil Mission. He was born in Nome, Alaska, to Robert Carter Packard and Talmadge Reyburn Meredith.The following new mission presidents and their wives have been called by the First Presidency. They will begin their service in July of 2019. Biographies of other mission presidency couples will be published throughout 2019 on <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news?lang=eng">news.lds.org</a>. (<a href="https://www.lds.org/search?lang=eng&amp;domains=news-and-events&amp;query=new+2019+mission+presidents+site%2525253awww.lds.org%2525252fchurch%2525252fnews">See other published biographies</a>.)<strong>Iowa Des Moines Mission</strong><strong>Bruno V. Barros</strong>, 43, and <strong>Luciene M. A. Barros</strong>, three children, Jardim do Horto Ward, Maceió Brazil Stake: Brazil Piracicaba Mission, succeeding President Howard K. Bangerter and Sister Lissa H. Bangerter. Sister Soto is a stake Primary presidency counselor and a former ward Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary president and institute and seminary teacher. She was born in San José, Costa Rica, to Juan Evangelista Muñoz Chaves and Glady Virginia González Hernández.<strong>Edward R. Rasmussen</strong>, 62, and <strong>Carolyn Rasmussen</strong>, five children, Provo Peak 10th Ward, Provo Utah East Stake: Washington Kennewick Mission, succeeding President Doneal L White and Sister Claudia Esplin White. <strong>Liberia Monrovia Mission</strong><strong>México Mérida Mission</strong><strong>Florida Jacksonville Mission</strong>Brother Ocampo is a ward Young Men president and a former Area Seventy, stake president, stake Young Men president, high councilor, elders quorum president, and missionary in the Chile Santiago South Mission. He was born in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, to Roberto Ocampo Reyes and Argentina Martínez.<strong>R. Scott Wilde</strong>, 50, and <strong>Sherry Ann Wilde</strong>, six children, Oakhills Ward, Layton Utah Valley View Stake: Oregon Salem Mission, succeeding President Paul Tateoka and Sister Nadine Tateoka. <strong>California Los Angeles Mission</strong><img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/08/new-mission-leaders-called-to-serve_2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Walter and Diana Chatora</p>
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<strong>Valeri V. Cordón</strong>, 49, and <strong>Glenda Cordón</strong>, three children, Concepción Ward, San José Costa Rica Los Yoses Stake: California Los Angeles Mission, succeeding President Robert M. Haynie and Sister Ruth E. Haynie. <img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/08/new-mission-leaders-called-to-serve_9.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Gary S. and Julie C. Price</p>
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<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/08/new-mission-leaders-called-to-serve_1.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Bruno V. and Luciene M. A. Barros</p>
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Brother Rasmussen is a stake president and a former stake Young Men president, bishop, high councilor, bishopric counselor, ward Young Men president, and missionary in the Japan Nagoya Mission. He was born in Portland, Oregon, to Ralph Waldo Rasmussen and Mary Ellen Ward Rasmussen.<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/08/new-mission-leaders-called-to-serve_7.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Meredith H. and Corinne S. Packard</p>
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<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/08/new-mission-leaders-called-to-serve_5.jpg" alt="" style="" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Bradley K. and Sherry Rowe McKinnon</p>
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<strong>Bradley K. McKinnon</strong>, 57, and <strong>Sherry Rowe McKinnon</strong>, five children, Mountainville 5th Ward, Alpine Utah Stake: Brazil Londrina Mission, succeeding President Luiz Pereira and Sister Andreia Pereira. <img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/08/new-mission-leaders-called-to-serve_11.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Donald E. and Rebecca Smith</p>
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<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/08/new-mission-leaders-called-to-serve_13.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Dale A. and Valerie Sturm</p>
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<strong>Brazil Londrina Mission</strong>Elder Cordón is a General Authority Seventy and a former Area Seventy, stake president, bishop, high councilor, seminary teacher, and missionary in the El Salvador Mission. He was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala, to Ovidio Cordón and Ema María Orellana.<strong>Washington Kennewick Mission</strong><img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/08/new-mission-leaders-called-to-serve_4.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Patrice and Maurice D. Jones</p>
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<strong>Donald E. Smith</strong>, 62, and <strong>Rebecca Smith</strong>, three children, Twin Falls 15th Ward, Twin Falls Idaho Stake: Italy Rome Mission, succeeding President Michael D. Pickerd and Sister Marian Pickerd. <strong>Perú Lima North Mission</strong><img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/08/new-mission-leaders-called-to-serve_15.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> R. Scott and Sherry Ann Wilde</p>
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<strong>Uganda Kampala Mission</strong>Brother Chatora is an Area Seventy and a former stake president, stake presidency counselor, bishop, high councilor, and bishopric counselor. He was born in Zvishavane, Zimbabwe, to Tsikai Chatora and Machivei Chatora.Sister Sturm is a Relief Society teacher and stake music chairman and a former ward Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary presidency counselor; ward missionary; and missionary in the California Fresno/San Diego Mission (American Sign Language). She was born in Mesa, Arizona, to Robert Dale Watson and Shirley Elizabeth Watson.<strong>Guatemala Cobán Mission</strong>Sister Chatora is a self-reliance specialist and a former ward Relief Society president, ward Relief Society and Primary presidency counselor, and Relief Society compassionate service coordinator. She was born in Harare, Zimbabwe, to Mavhura Peter Musekiwa and Bessie Tsitsi Mavhura.<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/08/new-mission-leaders-called-to-serve_8.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Benjamin and Hilda Poóu</p>
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<strong>Nicaragua Managua North Mission</strong>Sister Smith is a stake Relief Society president and a former seminary teacher and ward Young Women and Primary presidency counselor. She was born in Salt Lake City to Philip Hone Clark and Ruth Hawkins Clark.<strong>Rodrigo B. Soto Bolaños</strong>, 55, and <strong>Maritza Muñoz de Soto</strong>, five children, La Victoria Ward, Liberia Costa Rica Stake: Nicaragua Managua North Mission, succeeding President Sergio A. Poncio Álvarez and Sister Jessiva L. Calderon de Poncio. Brother Price is an elders quorum instructor and a former Area Seventy, stake president, district president, bishop, bishopric counselor, and missionary in the California Arcadia Mission. He was born in Vernal, Utah, to Duane Price and Eula Pearl Sessions Price.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-guatemala-india-uganda-and-more?lang=eng#2719386550Mon, 11 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
President Nelson Invites Record Crowd in Arizona to Help Gather Israel
https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-nelson-invites-record-crowd-in-arizona-to-help-gather-israel?lang=eng
<p>She said she also enjoyed Sister Nelson speaking of the process of inspiration and revelation for her husband at night and how he wrote them down.President Oaks spent much of his address reviewing and underscoring the many changes and points of emphasis from President Nelson and other Church leaders from the <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2018/04?lang=eng">April</a> and <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2018/10?lang=eng">October</a> general conferences—the <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/changes-help-balance-gospel-instruction-at-home-and-at-church?lang=eng">changes in the Sunday worship schedule</a>, the <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/age-changes-for-youth-progression-and-ordination-announced?lang=eng">youth advancing</a> to classes and quorums at the first of the year rather than on a birthday, the call to spend more time in the temple, the <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/changes-help-balance-gospel-instruction-at-home-and-at-church?lang=eng">changes in the curriculum</a>, the emphasis on a <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/families-studying-come-follow-me-experiencing-a-fundamental-shift-in-the-gospel-experience?lang=eng&amp;_r=1">home-centered Church</a>, the <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/ministering-to-replace-home-and-visiting-teaching?lang=eng">move to ministering</a>, the <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2018/10/sisters-participation-in-the-gathering-of-israel?lang=eng">challenge</a> for the women to read the Book of Mormon by the end of 2018, and the <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/name-of-the-church-not-negotiable-president-nelson-says?lang=eng">correct use of the Church’s name</a>.When the house of Israel rejected the teachings of the Lord and persecuted the prophets in biblical times, Jehovah scattered His people far and wide among the heathen—but with a promise that one day they would be gathered back into the fold of the Lord, he said. “And that promised day is today.”Also speaking at the devotional were Sister Wendy Nelson; President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/dallin-h-oaks?lang=eng">Dallin H. Oaks</a>, First Counselor in the First Presidency; and his wife, Sister Kristen Oaks. Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/lynn-g-robbins?lang=eng">Lynn G. Robbins</a>, a General Authority Seventy and President of the North America Southwest Area, conducted the 90-minute meeting.In a day of repeated and widespread prophetic messaging across the state of Arizona, President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/russell-m-nelson?lang=eng">Russell M. Nelson</a> summed up his call to action with a personalized invitation that sent a near-audible ripple of listeners giving increased attention.“We have a prophet on the earth, and he came to see us and to tell us to join the Arizona battalion,” he said. “And he made it very specific for us.” President Russell M. Nelson and President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency speak with 10 young single adults prior to a devotional at the State Farm Stadium in Phoenix on Sunday, February 10, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.He focused some of his remarks on the youth and young adults in attendance, highlighting the importance of the gospel and the fact that God is our Father and Jesus Christ His Son. “And Their commandments and our obedience remain essential, whether we travel by wagon or spaceship and whether we communicate by voice or texting.”Testifying that the power of coming to Christ and following His teachings as taught by modern-day prophets is both tangible and attainable, Sister Oaks reminded: “We are not alone. We are children of a Heavenly Father who loves us and desires that we come to Him.Arizona is home to nearly 430,000 Latter-day Saints (263,000 in metro Phoenix) and six missions (five in the Valley of the Sun), as well as the early childhood home of President Spencer W. Kimball, the Church’s 12th President, who served from 1973 through 1985.She also shared her witness of him receiving inspiration and revelation—often in the middle of the night, sometimes while she is in the room with him and other times when she leaves him to be alone. “I am a witness of being present, and I am a witness by being absent, that the Lord indeed instructs His prophet. …He cautioned against tattoos and piercings, immodesty, and pornography.“Loyal Saints of Arizona assembled to hear and heed our prophet’s words, you must be very special,” she said, “because only 15 Apostles of Jesus Christ walk this earth, and two of them have been directed to come here in your behalf.”
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President Russell M. Nelson gestures to attendees at the State Farm Stadium in Phoenix on Sunday, February 10, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News. President Russell M. Nelson speaks at a devotional at the State Farm Stadium in Phoenix on Sunday, February 10, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.The Book of Mormon, he added, serves as a tangible sign to all the world that the Lord has commenced to gather Israel and fulfill the Abrahamic covenant. It contains the fulness of the gospel and teaches the Savior’s Atonement, with its two primary and oft-repeated topics being Jesus Christ and the gathering of Israel.The Church’s first presence in Arizona came as the Mormon Battalion marched through during the winter of 1846–47, with settlers later arriving in the 1870s. One of the early temples outside of Utah was the <a href="https://www.lds.org/temples/details/mesa-arizona-temple?lang=eng">Mesa Arizona Temple</a>, which opened in 1927 and is one of three currently operating temples in the metro Phoenix area (along with temples in <a href="https://www.lds.org/temples/details/gilbert-arizona-temple?lang=eng">Gilbert</a> and <a href="https://www.lds.org/temples/details/phoenix-arizona-temple?lang=eng">Phoenix</a>) and six overall in the state.“Everything in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints belongs to Jesus Christ,” Sister Nelson said. “The doctrine is His, the covenants are His, the ordinances are His, the priesthood power is His power. The Apostles are His. And the prophet is His prophet, chosen and instructed by Him.”PHOENIX, ARIZONAEleven-year-old Hailey Hinton of Peoria, Arizona, said it was her first time being with a President of the Church—other than attending general conference—as she sat six rows above the floor. “I was really excited to see him walk in,” she said of President Nelson. President Russell M. Nelson and his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, wave to audience members in the State Farm Stadium in Phoenix on Sunday, February 10, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.Hailey’s father, President Sean L. Hinton of the Peoria North Arizona Stake, appreciated the rallying cry for him, his family, and his fellow members from the prophet.Gail Ricks of Gilbert, Arizona, who attended with her husband and six children, said she was touched by “the prophet’s presence and the spirit he carries. I loved the message of gathering Israel and that we can have a mini-MTC (missionary training center) in our home.”
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Displaying on the giant videoboards at both ends of the stadium a photo of President Nelson and President Oaks together, Sister Oaks underscored the energy and unity of the pair, who have served side by side since their calls to the apostleship in the April 1984 general conference. President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaks at the State Farm Stadium in Phoenix on Sunday, February 10, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News. President Russell M. Nelson gestures to attendees at the State Farm Stadium in Phoenix on Sunday, February 10, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.The devotional in the indoor stadium was the largest congregation to listen to President Nelson, the largest Church gathering ever in the state of Arizona, and one of the largest of the Church since the area and regional conferences held in the 1970s and 1980s, which included a May 1980 Southern California area conference in the Rose Bowl that <a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/1980/08/news-of-the-church/record-number-at-southern-california-area-conference?lang=eng">drew an estimated 75,000</a>. President Russell M. Nelson speaks to a record crowd of 65,000 people gathered for a devotional at the State Farm Stadium in Phoenix on Sunday, February 10, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.“The changes we have experienced in our Church meetings and policies should help us, but by themselves they won’t get our members to where our Heavenly Father wants us to be,” President Oaks said. “The changes that make a difference to our position on the covenant path are not changes in Church policies or practices, but the changes we make in our own desires and actions.”President Nelson posed the question of what the gathering of Israel looks like, then listed four examples, punctuating each with a pointed phrase at the end of each.“I have an invitation for you as the Arizona battalion of the Lord’s army to help gather Israel on both sides of the veil,” proclaimed the 94-year-old President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as he spoke to about 65,000 gathered in State Farm Stadium, including the nearly 9,000 youth and young adults seated on the stadium floor for the Sunday, February 10, event.Called by a variety of names ranging from the Arizona Member Devotional to the Greater Phoenix Area Devotional, the event was the day’s finale for President Nelson, who had a <a href="http://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/2019/02/10/viewpoints-lds-leader-urges-spirituality-secular-world-visits-phoenix-area/2776270002/">guest column</a> published in the morning issue of the state’s largest newspaper, the <em>Arizona Republic</em>; a television interview shared across the state’s television stations; several receptions with a collection of the state’s civic, educational, and faith leaders; a question-and-answer session with 10 young single adults; and then the stadium devotional, which was also broadcast live to meetinghouses across Arizona.“My dear brothers and sisters, these promises—first given to Abraham and later reaffirmed with his son Isaac and his grandson Jacob, who became ‘Israel’—are known as the Abrahamic covenant and are available to all of God’s children,” President Nelson said. “Yes, these divine promises are available to <em>you</em>!”Citing the restoration of priesthood and its keys through heavenly messengers such as Peter, James, John, Moses, Elias, and Elijah as key to “gather together in one all things,” President Nelson emphasized the keys of the gathering of Israel coming from Moses and the restored keys of sealing authority from Elijah.“Tonight Heavenly Father has sent His messengers to teach and inform us. I beg you to listen to what they say. I promise that their teachings, if you apply them, will uplift and edify you.”President Nelson listed the promises to Abraham made by Jehovah of the Old Testament some 4,000 years ago—that the Savior of the world would come through Abraham’s lineage; that Abraham was promised an eternal increase, or a posterity “as innumerable as the stars”; that Abraham’s descendants would bear the priesthood of God and administer its exalting ordinances; and that all the nations of the earth will be blessed through Abraham’s lineage. In his “Arizona battalion” invitation, President Nelson asked individuals and families to pray daily for opportunities to be involved in the gathering effort as he tied together the Abrahamic covenant, the Book of Mormon, and the gathering of Israel.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/11/350-RMN-6.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> The devotional at the State Farm Stadium in Phoenix on Sunday, February 10, 2019, was also broadcast live to meetinghouses across Arizona. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.</p>
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President Oaks also urged care in how youth and young adults label themselves, asking them to not define themselves by some temporary quality. “Our single best quality to characterize ourselves is that we are a son or daughter of God,” he said. “That fact overrides all other labels, including race, occupation, physical characteristics, honors, or even religious affiliation.”The latter is done as missionaries take the gospel across the globe, as the light of the gospel and the love of the Lord infuse the lives of all, as men are ordained to the priesthood and women are endowed with the power of the priesthood through their temple activity, and as temples continue to dot the earth, he said.Sister Nelson recounted personal and shared experiences with her prophet-husband in the 13 months since the passing of his predecessor, President Thomas S. Monson, and President Nelson’s sustaining as the Church’s leader. She also acknowledged the personal confirmation she received—twice—of his mantle.Regarding technology, he said cell phones “should be your slaves, not your masters. … Cut it back and rejoin the world of those who talk face to face.”<li>“As you work together to remodel your home into a sanctuary of faith—filled with learning together from the home-centered, Church-supported curriculum—<em>that</em> is gathering Israel.</li><li>“As you parents create experiences where your children can learn to feel the Spirit of the Lord—<em>that</em> is gathering Israel.</li><li>“As you do family history, serve and worship in the temple, use your discretionary time to draw closer to Heavenly Father and to His Son and to help someone else do the same—<em>that</em> is gathering Israel.</li><li>“As you help to strengthen the testimonies of others, as you repent and help others to repent, as you reach out in your communities and participate in worthy efforts to alleviate suffering—<em>that</em> is gathering Israel.</li>She was thrilled to hear one of her children say of the event: “We are in the same room as the prophet—but it is a really large room.” President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaks to 10 young single adults with his wife, Sister Kristen Oaks, prior to a devotional at the State Farm Stadium in Phoenix on Sunday, February 10, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News. Audience members at a devotional at the State Farm Stadium in Phoenix listen to President Russell M. Nelson on Sunday, February 10, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-nelson-invites-record-crowd-in-arizona-to-help-gather-israel?lang=eng#1988237110Mon, 11 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
From Rome to Middle East to Jerusalem: Elder Bednar Travels Where Ancient Apostles Traveled
https://www.lds.org/church/news/from-rome-to-middle-east-to-jerusalem-elder-bednar-travels-where-ancient-apostles-traveled?lang=eng
<p>“When you are in a place very close to where Christ’s Atonement actually occurred, you try to imagine—but cannot totally—what that experience was like for Him,” said Elder Bednar, who also visited other historical and religious sites in the Old City and near the Sea of Galilee.Elder Bednar video-recorded a message and blessing for her, President Brimhall said. The district president added that he’ll deliver it to her soon when he goes to do a temple-recommend interview with her.One humanitarian stop was at the African Hope Learning Centre in Cairo, Egypt, where LDS Charities has donated computers and other materials. For more than two decades, the school has helped educate impoverished children—up to nearly 500 annually—who have fled from Sudan and a dozen other African nations, often without one or both of their parents.“To have the responsibility to bear witness of Him, His divinity, His Resurrection, His living reality causes us to count our many blessings and reflect deeply on all we have been blessed to have received in this dispensation.”The two locations—Rome and Jerusalem—served as fitting bookends for the modern-day Apostle’s 18-day assignment. Joined by his wife, Sister Susan Bednar, Elder Bednar went from Rome, with its history of influence, to Egypt and neighboring Middle East nations marked by the antiquity of the region’s early civilizations, and then on to the Holy Land.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/08/Bednar%20Rome%20Jerusalem%20ME%20cropped/350-from-rome-to-middle-east-to-jerusalem-elder-bednar-travels-w_11.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Children from the African Hope Learning Centre in Cairo, Egypt, gather to greet Elder David A. Bednar, second from left, Sister Susan Bednar, fourth from right, and other guests on Wednesday, January 23, 2019. Photo by Boyce Fitzgerald.</p>
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Children from the African Hope Learning Centre in Cairo, Egypt, gather to greet Elder David A. Bednar and other guests on Wednesday, January 23, 2019. Photo by Boyce Fitzgerald.“We are all sons and daughters of God,” said Elder Bednar of the displaced refugees and their needs. “We help provide some of the assistance they need to survive in really difficult circumstances.” Elder David A. Bendar, seated with folded arms to the left end of the table, holds an impromptu meeting with students in the cafeteria of the BYU Jerusalem Center during his visit there in late January 2019. Sister Susan Bednar is seated in front of him. Photo by Dennis Brimhall.Church members in the Middle Eastern countries face unique and difficult challenges, Elder Andersen said, explaining that “Elder Bednar’s visit was a comforting reminder to them that Heavenly Father remembers and loves all His children. His teachings and his testimony warmed their hearts.”“You are close to the location when time and eternity intersected in the Savior’s atoning sacrifice,” said Elder Bednar, recalling his first-ever visit to the Holy Land last month and the scriptural scenes of the Apostles Peter, James, and John accompanying Christ to the garden that night. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, is the largest mosque in the country. Photo courtesy of Elder David A. Bednar. A group of visitors—including Elder David A. Bednar, Sister Susan Bednar, Elder Wllford W. Andersen, and Sister Kathleen Andersen—are greeted by children at the Ashti refugee camp near Erbil, Kurdistan, on January 21, 2019. LDS Charities assisted in providing 750 tents in two refugee camps in the area. Photo by Boyce Fitzgerald.“I love to read about Peter and Paul and their ministries in the New Testament,” he continued. “And the mantle they bore, that Elder Rasband and I have received, is real. For me, the bond with those ancient Apostles is in the majesty and powers of the mantle and in the spiritual witness of the reality of the Restoration in the latter days.”“Peter received from the Savior the keys of the kingdom,” Elder Bednar said, “and there is a mantle associated with the ordination. The apostleship is never about the men. It is about the office and the mantle.And in the rotunda of the Rome Italy Temple Visitors’ Center among the <em>Christus</em> and ancient Apostle statues, he <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.thechurchnews.com_temples_2019-2D01-2D16_from-2Da-2Dgarage-2Dto-2Da-2Dtemple-2Drome-2Dtemple-2Da-2Dmiracle-2Dsign-2Dof-2Dbright-2Dfuture-2Din-2Ditaly-2D48809&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=z0adcvxXWKG6LAMN6dVEqQ&amp;r=t_zmVVo6z5Gg3CeJfesw4-Ajr93V5EWJcbwMcb3d71o&amp;m=Psn78v5fyVlV2glqMLVB5qLiv3io9b4V8Kvs09nhgD4&amp;s=dME4SFybPstyIRJnW_dVzR8Zgf4L2A227zwZ7CmZFvs&amp;e=" target="_blank" class="sense-link">pointed to Thorvaldsen’s statue of Peter</a> that has two keys gripped in the right hand. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Susan, walk from the Rome Italy Temple to the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Monday, January 14, 2019. Behind them at right is President President Marcello De Vito, president of the Rome City Council. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Sister Susan Bednar stand at the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee on January 27, 2019. Photo courtesy of Elder David A. Bednar.President Brimhall reported that in addition to the large-scale gatherings of members and students, Elder Bednar found ways to minister to individuals during his stay. One such person was a sister, Margreta Spencer, who is the district’s longest-residing member in Israel and is confined to a nursing home in the Golan Heights, nearly three hours north of Jerusalem.Between Rome and Jerusalem, the assignment’s itinerary—ranging from conferences and devotionals to humanitarian visits—included stops in the United Arab Emirates cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai; Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan; and Cairo, Egypt. Elder David A. Bednar glances at a tent bearing the LDS Charities and Bargain Charity Foundation logos in the Ashti refugee camp near Erbil, Kurdistan. Elder Bendar was accompanied by, from left, Elder Wilford W. Andersen, a General Authority Seventy, and their wives, Sister Susan Bednar and Sister Kathleen Andersen. Photo by Boyce Fitzgerald. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles greets attendees following a special meeting of members ages 12 through 30 of the Abu Dhabi Stake, held on Friday, January 18, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Photo by Boyce Fitzgerald.“To be in Jerusalem with an Apostle of the Lord is an experience that none of us will ever forget,” said Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/wilford-w-andersen?lang=eng">Wilford W. Andersen</a>, a General Authority Seventy who with his wife, Sister Kathleen Andersen, accompanied the Bednars in the Middle East and Israel.Jerusalem District President Dennis Brimhall, who joined the Bednars and Andersens and others in the small group touring the Old City and Galilee, said, “We were continually thinking about a living Apostle walking where the original Apostles walked and were taught—and to be mindful that the words of a living Apostle are just as important as those we read in the New Testament.” Children from the African Hope Learning Centre in Cairo, Egypt, gather to greet Elder David A. Bednar, Sister Susan A. Bednar, and other visitors on Wednesday, January 23, 2019. Photo by Boyce Fitzgerald. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles answers a question during a press conference in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Monday, January 14, 2019. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Sister Susan Bednar pose for a photo at the excavated ruins of an ancient Byzantine-era synagogue in Capernaum, Israel, near the Sea of Galilee on January 27, 2019. Photo courtesy of Elder David A. Bednar. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stands with Sister Susan A. Bednar in front of the <em>Christus</em> and Apostle statues in the Rome Italy Temple Visitors’ Center in Rome in mid-January, 2019. Photo courtesy of Elder David A. Bednar.“Consider the antiquity of Egypt and its impact on the world and on world culture, and then think of the Roman influence and of Jerusalem,” he said. “It is just a remarkable sequence of places to be and to learn.” Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is joined by his wife, Sister Susan Bednar, at the pulpit during the Jerusalem District conference meeting in the BYU Jerusalem Center on Saturday, January 27. The Old City, including the Dome of the Rock, is seen in the background. Photo by Dennis Brimhall.Another visit was at the Ashti IDP Camp—IDP standing for “internally displaced persons,” or refugees within one’s own country—in Iraqi Kurdistan, near the city of Erbil. LDS Charities partnered with the Barzani Charity Foundation to provide 750 large tents—250 at Ashti and another 500 at the Khazer refugee camp. The tents offered shelter and protection from the cold winter weather, with November flooding in the area damaging the previous refugee shelter.Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/david-a-bednar?lang=eng">David A. Bednar</a> of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stood in the urban grove of aged olive trees located at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. It is called the Garden of Gethsemane, although the precise location of the New Testament’s same-named site of the Atonement of Jesus Christ remains uncertain but likely nearby.In the UAE, Elder Bednar conducted a special meeting of the Abu Dhabi Stake as well as a meeting with youth and young adults ages 12 through 30. While geographically Abu Dhabi is a long distance from Salt Lake City, “the leadership and the Church are not a long way from Abu Dhabi,” he said. “There is a powerful message when we minister to them in their lands and in their homes.”In addition to visiting historical and religious sites in the Old City and around the Sea of Galilee, Elder Bednar presided over a conference of the Jerusalem District and a devotional at the BYU Jerusalem Center. The Bednars also hosted an impromptu gathering with students in the center’s cafeteria one evening. A sign in the Ashti refugee camp shows the cooperative efforts of LDS Charities and the Barzani Charity Foundation to provide tents and shelter in several refugee camps in Kurdistan. Photo by Boyce Fitzgerald. A young girl grins while greeting a group of visitors—including Elder David A. Bednar, Sister Susan Bednar, Elder Wllford W. Andersen, and Sister Kathleen Andersen—to the Ashti refugee camp near Erbil, Kurdistan, on January 21, 2019. Photo by Boyce Fitzgerald. Sister Susan Bednar, right, visits with youth at the Ashti refugee camp near Erbil, Kurdistan, on January 21, 2019. LDS Charities assisted in providing 750 tents in two refugee camps in the area. Photo by Boyce Fitzgerald.It was a learning experience for others as well, as Elder Bednar met with many in meetings while ministering to the one.Less than two weeks earlier, he had been in Rome, joined by his fellow Apostle, Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/ronald-a-rasband?lang=eng">Ronald A. Rasband</a>, in initiating the media and special-guest tours of the new Rome Italy Temple. (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/apostles-present-rome-italy-temple-to-special-guests-media-during-open-house-tours?lang=eng">related story</a>.) During the nearly weeklong assignment there, <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.facebook.com_LDS_videos_308258163158680_UzpfSTUzMzA1MDQyMDEyOjEwMTU2MzY0NzI3OTc3MDEz_&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=z0adcvxXWKG6LAMN6dVEqQ&amp;r=t_zmVVo6z5Gg3CeJfesw4-Ajr93V5EWJcbwMcb3d71o&amp;m=Psn78v5fyVlV2glqMLVB5qLiv3io9b4V8Kvs09nhgD4&amp;s=zKl33_9OTWR-N8YkQF-cT4OytiOjhwMsuzvzVSAN9tY&amp;e=" target="_blank" class="sense-link">the two visited the Mamertine Prison</a>, believed to be the dungeon cells “where Peter and Paul were held captive for publicly declaring their witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ,” Elder Bednar said.The Apostle noted his affinity for having visited the areas of Capernaum and Tabgha off the shores of the Sea of Galilee—seeing the foundation of Peter’s home, visualizing the events of the New Testament in the area, and being mindful of the Savior’s teachings such as the Bread of Life sermon and the Sermon on the Mount.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/from-rome-to-middle-east-to-jerusalem-elder-bednar-travels-where-ancient-apostles-traveled?lang=eng#586188607Mon, 11 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
President Nelson Authors Op-Ed for Arizona Republic: “Life with God Is Far Better … Than One without Him”
https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-nelson-authors-op-ed-for-arizona-republic-life-with-god-is-far-better-than-one-without-him?lang=eng
<p>“Whatever your faith tradition or personal circumstances, as a servant of the Lord I invite you to look to Him and make Him the center of your life.” President Russell M. Nelson looks over a destroyed LDS chapel with his wife, Wendy Nelson, in Paradise, California, on Sunday, January 13, 2019, two months after the Camp Fire destroyed 1,400 homes and hundreds of businesses. President Nelson wrote about the visit in an op-ed published February 10 in the <em>Arizona Republic.</em> Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.In the op-ed President Nelson wrote about <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-nelson-visits-and-comforts-california-fire-victims?lang=eng">his visit last month to Paradise, California</a>, where he met with and comforted those affected by the Camp Fire, which left 86 dead and destroyed more than 18,000 structures. He also wrote about the <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/daughter-of-president-nelson-dies-after-courageous-battle-with-cancer?lang=eng">recent death of his daughter Wendy Nelson Maxfield</a> to cancer.“If there is anything I’ve learned in my 94 years of living, it is that a life with God is far better—more filled with hope—than one without Him.”Faith in God is, and has always been, the preeminent force for good in this world, wrote President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/russell-m-nelson?lang=eng">Russell M. Nelson</a> in <a href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/2019/02/10/viewpoints-lds-leader-urges-spirituality-secular-world-visits-phoenix-area/2776270002/">an op-ed article published February 10 in the <em>Arizona Republic</em></a><em>.</em><a href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/2019/02/10/viewpoints-lds-leader-urges-spirituality-secular-world-visits-phoenix-area/2776270002/">Read the article here.</a>In the editorial, titled “Viewpoints: LDS president urges spirituality in an increasingly secular world during Phoenix-area visit,” President Nelson, 94, wrote that the most profound thing he has witnessed during his lifetime is the unrivaled difference that belief in God and His Son, Jesus Christ, has in a person’s life. “There is simply nothing to compare with the refining, ennobling strength and meaning that come into the life of a devoted believer and servant.”
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/10/350-president-nelson-authors-arizona-republic-op-ed-invites-all-_5.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> President Russell M. Nelson and his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, stand with son in-law Norman A. Maxfield after funeral services for President Nelson’s daughter Wendy Nelson Maxfield on Saturday, January 19. President Nelson wrote about his daughter in an op-ed published February 10 in the <em>Arizona Republic.</em> Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.</p>
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https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-nelson-authors-op-ed-for-arizona-republic-life-with-god-is-far-better-than-one-without-him?lang=eng#922419601Sun, 10 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Groundbreaking Date Announced for Praia Cabo Verde Temple
https://www.lds.org/church/news/groundbreaking-date-announced-for-praia-cabo-verde-temple?lang=eng
<p>This will be the first temple in Cabo Verde, a country of 10 islands off the west coast of Africa. The temple was f<a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-nelson-announces-plans-to-build-12-new-temples?lang=eng">irst announced</a> October 7, 2018, by Church President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/russell-m-nelson?lang=eng">Russell M. Nelson</a>.Attendance at the site will be by invitation only. It is anticipated that the groundbreaking services will be transmitted via internet to local meetinghouses within the proposed temple district. Additional details will be forthcoming.Construction on the temple with an adjacent meetinghouse is expected to begin in 2019 and is anticipated to take about two years to complete.The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced that the groundbreaking for the Praia Cabo Verde Temple will be held May 4, 2019. Elder Paul V. Johnson, President of the Europe Area for the Church, will preside.An artist rendering of the temple was also made public Friday. The rendering features a single-story temple with an end spire reflective of the architectural styles in the area. The temple will be built in the capital city of Praia on the island of Santiago and located east of Avenida Cidade de Lisboa in the Tahiti Chã de Areia neighborhood.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/groundbreaking-date-announced-for-praia-cabo-verde-temple?lang=eng#3767908029Fri, 8 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Church to Close Argentina Missionary Training Center in July 2019
https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-to-close-argentina-missionary-training-center-in-july-2019?lang=eng
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<p>Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Friday, February 8, they will close the missionary training center located in Buenos Aires, Argentina, effective July 2019.</p>
<p>Plans for future use of the facilities will be determined in coordination with local leaders, according to Church spokesman Daniel Woodruff. Following the closure, missionaries who would have attended this center will be trained in the Mexico and Brazil MTCs.</p>
<p>This decision comes as Church leaders continue to seek the best use of resources worldwide according to the needs and demands of each area, said Woodruff. Specifically, this closure is designed to better utilize the Mexico and Brazil MTCs, among others, which train large numbers of missionaries who are assigned to serve in Latin America. Three additional missionary training centers closed this month in <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-to-close-missionary-training-centers-in-spain-and-chile?lang=eng">Spain</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-to-close-missionary-training-centers-in-spain-and-chile?lang=eng">Chile</a>, and the <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-to-close-dominican-republic-mtc-in-january-2019?lang=eng">Dominican Republic</a>.</p>
<p>With the closures, the Church will operate 11 <a href="https://www.lds.org/callings/missionary/missionary-training-centers?lang=eng">missionary training centers</a>—located in Brazil, Colombia, England, Ghana, Guatemala, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Provo, and South Africa.</p>
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https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-to-close-argentina-missionary-training-center-in-july-2019?lang=eng#2226939674Fri, 8 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Elder Rasband Speaks to Church Educators about Worldwide Crisis of Teen Suicide
https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-rasband-speaks-to-church-educators-about-worldwide-crisis-of-teen-suicide?lang=eng
<p>Elder Rasband also warned of suicide “clusters,” where one teen takes his or her own life and others see it as an option and follow.Youth and young single adults who struggle with gender issues are particularly vulnerable, he added.<b>Hope in Christ is the antidote for suicide</b>Life has always been filled with challenges, and no one is immune. Trials come to all—they are part of the mortal experience to make one strong.Suicide is often connected to the pain of unanswered questions, sorrows, griefs, what-ifs, and what-nows, he said. Suicide levels have reached such tragic proportions that people must reach out in new and more effective ways to counsel, care for, and support vulnerable youth.The weight of lifting, teaching, and encouraging youth can be almost more than one can bear. Bringing souls to Christ can be hard—and the adversary is aggressively targeting those of the rising generation.But never forget, divine assistance and ministering is found through the Savior.“As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we must commit to do everything we can to reshape the thinking that suicide is an answer, a response worth considering. We must talk to teens about suicide and love them out of considering suicide as a solution to their pain.”“Try just saying the name ‘Jesus Christ’ in a perilous setting with one who has lost hope. Just calling upon Him by name, with reverence, can make a difference in a difficult moment.”Those threads might include disappointment, a botched quiz, a break up, a string of bullying, academic stress, or perhaps what can aptly be called adolescent misery.Everyone must face the issue of suicide, he said.“Encourage your students to always hold a temple recommend … and then to share their feelings about being in the temple, the revelation and inspiration that comes as they reach beyond this life ‘for the things of a better’ serving those who cannot do the ordinances for themselves.”“They need to be encircled in the arms of their Savior and know they are loved. So often the Lord calls on us; He expects us to be His welcoming, loving arms. We need to encourage their friends to do the same.”Elder Rasband spoke of serving on the Utah governor’s task force that is charged with addressing the surge in teen suicide. It has proven to be a daunting responsibility.Sustaining power also comes each week by renewing sacred covenants and partaking of the sacrament. “Let the blessing of the sacrament, to ‘always have His Spirit to be with us,’ be something you talk about so that drawing upon the healing power of Jesus Christ, through His Atonement, is real.”Elder Rasband counseled seminary and institute teachers to help their students identify a “protection scripture” that they can call upon whenever they are in a perilous situation or in need of strength. “‘Be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you’ is a good one.”Like the angel that comforted the Savior during the unfathomable pain of Gethsemane, the Lord’s teachers can be angels of comfort for those in their charge.The Church, he emphasized, takes teen suicide seriously. Seminary and institute teachers can help those at risk by utilizing love and the many Church-provided suicide-prevention resources. In doing so, they further fulfill their calling as “a teacher come from God” (<a href="/scriptures/nt/john/3.2?lang=eng#1" target="_blank">John 3:2</a>).Christ’s influence, impact, and reach are all-encompassing. “He loves us in our brightest and our darkest hours,” he said.“When they do, they will experience the miracle of the Lord’s direction and guidance, a very real form of His love,” he said.Never forget, the “cause of Christ” beckons with an everlasting promise: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (<a href="/scriptures/nt/matt/11.28?lang=eng#27" target="_blank">Matthew 11:28</a>).“I have learned no one is immune,” he said. “Teen suicide is a crisis reaching all around the world. Statistics show that suicide is now among the three leading causes of death among youth ages 15 to 24.”Throughout time, Christ has unceasingly demonstrated His love for all. Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles addresses Church Educational System employees, missionaries, and their spouses during “An Evening with a General Authority” devotional, which was broadcast from the Tabernacle on Temple Square on February 8, 2019.Elder Rasband began his “An Evening with a General Authority” address—which was broadcast live from the Salt Lake Tabernacle at Church headquarters to a global audience—by noting the “life-changing” influence CES instructors have had on his own life.“To this day I can see my teachers’ imprint on how I study the scriptures and, in particular, how much I love the Book of Mormon.”“He has prepared you to step forward in teamwork with parents and Church leaders. You stand before your students and reaffirm the truth that Jesus Christ lives, that our Father in Heaven loves each one of us, and that we have a place in His eternal plan. And best of all, you believe it.”There is no template for teens at risk for suicide, according to a Latter-day Saint Apostle.<b>Healing in service, temple worship, and partaking of the sacrament</b> Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Melanie Rasband, participate in “An Evening with a General Authority” devotional, which was broadcast from the Tabernacle on Temple Square on February 8, 2019.Elder Rasband challenged seminary and institute teachers to help students know of God’s love while developing an understanding of the Atonement. Encourage them to find joy and purpose by serving others and serving in the temple.The Lord lifts His servants, telling them to be of “good cheer.”Youths at risk may play the trombone, sing in the choir, compete on soccer teams, or bag groceries after school. Some regularly attend church. Others have set aside religion.“To be of good cheer is to trust Him when things don’t work as we planned,” he said. “It means to soldier on when difficult twists take us in unexpected directions, when tragedy and hardship shatter our dreams.”Discouragement, despair, anxiety, and depression are all products of such fears.Gospel teaching in seminary and institute is especially vital for those students without a gospel support network at home.Start by following the example of the Savior, who rescues through the Atonement and continues to love and heal His loved ones.Additionally, many of today’s seminary and institute students have had their lives overtaken by stress, temptation, crisis, and disappointment.Seminary and institute also offered young Ronald Rasband “a safe place” to hang out with friends gathered together in a gospel setting. “I particularly looked forward to taking Melanie Twitchell to the institute dances. Melanie is now my beautiful, wonderful wife.” Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles addresses Church Educational System employees, missionaries, and their spouses during “An Evening with a General Authority” devotional, which was broadcast from the Tabernacle on Temple Square on February 8, 2019.<b>Fearful moments</b>Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/kim-b-clark?lang=eng">Kim B. Clar</a>k, a General Authority Seventy and Commissioner of Church Education, introduced Elder Rasband and made brief remarks.Seminary and institute teachers are in the corps of “first responders” for young people at risk who, tragically, believe life has no purpose for them.Elder Rasband concluded with an apostolic witness and reminder of the Savior’s loving power to lift and heal all who are in need.The Lord’s sustaining promise to “stand by you” is not reserved for those “who are squeaky clean” or hold a seat on the seminary council.<b>Be of good cheer</b>“We can express love if that is what youth need; find them a friend, listen to them, and seek them out with a kind word or gesture. We may need to work with their parents and bishops to get counseling services for struggles, depression, or another mental illness.”“Fear in its many forms is manifest unfortunately in the cruelest of conclusions—suicide,” he said.“A greater understanding of Jesus Christ will help those who are spiraling down,” said Elder Rasband, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “His love for them and the profound and exalted place He has prepared for them in the eternities is a message of hope. He loves them. They need to know that.“He will be with us, He will comfort us, and He will heal us if we come to Him and draw upon His power to save us,” said Elder Rasband. “Most often He heals the wounded heart. How does it happen, we ask? By the power of the Atonement exercised in our lives today, not at the end before the Final Judgment, but every day as we seek to be like Him, to love what He loves, to follow His chosen prophets.”<b>“Life-changing” influencers</b>Teachers should ensure that academic rigor or gospel instruction never “get in front” of the power of the Spirit to touch and encourage students. Prepare them to receive inspiration and personal revelation—and then act upon it.Life is fragile and uncertain. Homes that practice family prayer, scripture study, and family home evening offer precious tools for young people.Students fear not being accepted by friends. They fear academic performance, pressures, and problems at home they can’t solve. They fear they can trust no one—and no one trusts them. They fear being alone and fear being in groups. They fear there is no solution or relief to their pain.“The blessing is that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can still be of good cheer,” he said.“They may be the ones who privately ask a question just to engage in further gospel discussion because it is the only time they have that spiritual connection in their day. Treasure those opportunities, and make time for them.”But there are common threads, said Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/ronald-a-rasband?lang=eng">Ronald A. Rasband</a> in his sober, yet hopeful, message to Church Educational System employees, missionaries, and their spouses.Elder Rasband then shared a hope-driven teaching from the Church’s presiding Apostle, President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/russell-m-nelson?lang=eng">Russell M. Nelson</a>: “When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation … and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives.”“Jesus Christ is always the answer. In understanding His mission and His gospel, our love for Him and our belief in and reliance on Him gives us strength.”“The scripture states, ‘I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you’ (<a href="/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/68.6?lang=eng#5" target="_blank">Doctrine and Covenants 68:6</a>).”“Some students get derailed, but with the Spirit of the Lord, you can help put them back on track,” he said. “Remember the words of Paul: ‘We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed’ (<a href="/scriptures/nt/2-cor/4.8-9?lang=eng#7" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 4:8–9</a>).”“He will stand by each one of our youth, each one of us for that matter, in our darkest hour. That is the power of the Atonement, and we need to teach it with such force that it reaches those who are suffering.” Elder Kim B. Clark introduces Elder Ronald A. Rasband during “An Evening with a General Authority” devotional, which was broadcast from the Tabernacle on Temple Square to Church Educational System employees, missionaries, and their spouses on February 8, 2019.<a href="https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/archive/evening-with-a-general-authority/2019/02?lang=eng"><strong>Watch the broadcast now.</strong></a>The Lord continues to look for those who can help a student who struggles or perhaps is declining in testimony and understanding.Elder Rasband acknowledged that his days as a student in seminary were unburdened by today’s internet content that can undercut beliefs in God, religion, revelation, and prophets.But Elder Rasband warned that even youth who come from gospel-centered homes might be at risk. “One young man responded to a family home evening activity that asked each member to write down one thing that was important to them. The 14-year-old, seemingly on top of his world, wrote, ‘To know there is someone there for me.’”</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-rasband-speaks-to-church-educators-about-worldwide-crisis-of-teen-suicide?lang=eng#1799424134Fri, 8 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Music and the Spoken Word: Looks Can Deceive—Learn to See Beyond Prejudices and Appearances
https://www.lds.org/church/news/music-and-the-spoken-word-looks-can-deceive-learn-to-see-beyond-prejudices-and-appearances?lang=eng
<p>A newspaper reporter was covering the story of a soup kitchen that served the homeless. She chose a patron to interview, a middle-aged woman, and asked what she thought of the facility. The woman gave an articulate, detailed analysis and expressed her gratitude, stunning the reporter with her poise and confidence. It was a lesson learned not to judge someone by appearances.<strong>Tuning in</strong><em>Editor's note: The “spoken word” is shared by Lloyd Newell each Sunday during the weekly Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square broadcast. The following was given February 3, 2019.</em>The <em>Music and the Spoken Word</em> broadcast is available on KSL-TV, KSL Radio 1160 AM/102.7 FM, <a href="http://ksl.com/">ksl.com</a>, KSL X-stream, BYU-TV, BYU Radio, BYU-TV International, CBS Radio Network, Dish Network, DirecTV, SiriusXM Radio (Channel 143), and on the Tabernacle Choir’s <a href="http://mormontabernaclechoir.org/">website</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/MormonTabChoir">YouTube channel</a>.Henry David Thoreau once said, “The question is not what you look at, but what you see” (Thoreau's journal entry for August 5, 1851). When you view a beautiful painting, you are looking at brushstrokes, colors, and lines. But what do you see? That depends on whether or not you allow the artwork into your heart, to teach you, to move you, to inspire you. Every painting is more than just paint. And the same is true of every person. When we meet someone, do we look beyond the outward appearance to see the soul within?Can your eyes be fooled? It actually happens every day. What looks like a leaf sometimes turns out to be a well-camouflaged insect. A shadow on the wall can make a harmless tree branch look like something much more menacing. And the objects in a rearview mirror are often closer than they appear.We’ve all been misjudged and labeled based on nothing but a hasty first impression. Sadly, we sometimes even misjudge ourselves; self-judgment is often the harshest kind of all. And we have witnessed how sweeping generalizations based on culture, politics, or religion can prevent us from seeing that we have more in common with one another than it may appear.Don't let your eyes—or your prejudices—deceive you. If we are willing to see past the superficial and treasure the very heart of those we meet, we'll realize that each human being we meet is one of God’s precious children. That is the difference between looking and seeing.Those are usually harmless mistakes. But what about our perceptions when we look at a person? We might think we can easily discern a person’s intelligence, moral character, and abilities. But are our eyes deceiving us?The program is aired live on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. on many of these outlets. Look up broadcast information by state and city at <a href="http://musicandthespokenword.org/schedules.shtml">musicandthespokenword.org</a>.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/music-and-the-spoken-word-looks-can-deceive-learn-to-see-beyond-prejudices-and-appearances?lang=eng#3877710225Thu, 7 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
How One Sunday School Teacher’s Effort to Answer My Questions Lit the Fire of My Testimony
https://www.lds.org/church/news/how-one-sunday-school-teachers-effort-to-answer-my-questions-lit-the-fire-of-my-testimony?lang=eng
<p>As a child and young teenager, I asked all of my Primary, Sunday School, and Young Women teachers a lot of questions—questions that would be considered “deep” for a child. They fulfilled their callings faithfully and blessed my life in indescribable ways, yet they often did not have the answers I sought. At times, this made church a difficult experience for me.I couldn’t believe my ears. “Really?” I thought. “OK, let’s do this.” I sat up in my chair and raised my hand. He called on me and the questions began. I honestly don’t remember my first question. But I remember his response: “Wow, that’s a really good question. Let’s turn to <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament?lang=eng" target="_blank">Doctrine and Covenants</a>.”Heavenly Father sent me one of the greatest gifts of my teenage years in the form of a Sunday School teacher named Brother Brent White. Shortly after Brother White and his family moved into the ward, he was called to be my Sunday School teacher. When he was sustained in sacrament meeting, I remember thinking, “Who is this guy in the blue framed glasses? Should I really give him a try?” It sounds so silly to my adult mind now, but that was my thought as a 14-year-old. And I am grateful I did “give him a try.”Some of us class members were so engaged that the 40-minute Sunday School session was often too short for all we wanted to learn. Brother White would allow us to come to his home on Sunday nights, and we would continue our questions and conversations from class. He took time to help me understand—lots of time.I turned to the reference and there was my answer—right in the scriptures. That verse led me to another question, which I asked right away. And that was the pattern for the rest of the class. I don’t think I even let anyone else in the class talk that day. I kept firing questions and he kept taking me to the scriptures.On his first Sunday as my teacher, he started the class by asking, “Does anyone have any questions?”This is by no means a criticism of any of those wonderful teachers; at age 11 I was asking questions that I still don’t know the answers to a couple of decades later. I remember complaining to my mom one Sunday after Church: “Why do I even go to church if no one can answer my questions?” She compassionately listened to my frustrations and witnessed of the importance of following the Savior at all times.He also helped us learn by teaching. When he was sick or out of town, instead of getting another adult to substitute, he would ask one of us to teach. The first time he asked me, I felt surprised, nervous, and super excited. I don’t really remember how it went, but I know I loved it. I now even wonder how much of that experience contributed to my desire to become a teacher by profession.<em>Lori Newbold serves as the director of training services for Seminaries and Institutes and is a member of the</em> <a href="https://www.lds.org/callings/young-women/leader-resources/biographies?lang=eng"><em>Young Women general board</em></a><em>.</em>I have questions. Lots of them. I always have. For as long as I can remember, I have believed in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and I have had an insatiable appetite for truth and a burning desire to know more about Them. Over the years, this gift has brought many blessings and some challenges.Brother White would regularly take us to the scriptures and the words of prophets. He would lead discussions that allowed us to think and share and ask more questions. If he didn’t know something, he would tell us he didn’t know. And then he would invite us to keep thinking and would give us more questions to consider about that topic. I was OK that he didn’t know all the answers—I didn’t expect him to know everything. He testified that Heavenly Father wanted to teach us and wanted to help us understand truth as we are taught repeatedly in the scriptures. “Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/88.63?lang=eng" target="_blank">Doctrine and Covenants 88:63</a>).That became a normal Sunday for our class, but the other classmates started joining in as well. Soon enough, even those of us who used to have to get escorted to class by the Sunday School president were now running to class after sacrament meeting. We truly wanted to learn the doctrine.I felt my small flame of a testimony growing into a blazing fire that year because of my Sunday School experience. We knew he loved us, and we loved him. I am eternally grateful for Brother White and the way that he led me to the Savior and assisted Him in my personal conversion.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/how-one-sunday-school-teachers-effort-to-answer-my-questions-lit-the-fire-of-my-testimony?lang=eng#3480608518Thu, 7 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
How a Missionary’s Former Investigator Became His Mission President—and Lifelong Friend
https://www.lds.org/church/news/how-a-missionarys-former-investigator-became-his-mission-president-and-lifelong-friend?lang=eng
<p>“I felt entirely overwhelmed with emotions and said, ‘I get to work with John—I’ll have to call him President Larkin,’” he said.Even as a young missionary, Elder Stewart knew John Larkin “was going to do great things.”<li>Man opens his door. Missionary and his companion offer to share a gospel message. Man declines and shuts the door.</li><li>Woman opens her door and invites the missionary and her companion to sit down for a few minutes. Soon the missionaries are teaching about God’s love for His children. They agree to meet again.</li><li>Man opens his door. He’s hoping to find answers to a few questions about the Church. Missionary introduces himself then shakes the hand of the man who will one day be <em>his</em> mission president.</li> Sister Lori Stewart and her husband, Elder Laddie Stewart, outside the New Zealand Missionary Training Center prior to reporting to the Marshall Islands/Kiribati Mission. The Stewarts’ mission president, President John Larkin, was once Elder Stewart’s investigator in Australia.“I was deeply touched by their humility, their genuine concern, and their passion for the gospel—and I later realized that the greatest influence during the lessons was the Spirit of the Lord,” wrote President Larkin in an email to the <em>Church News</em>. “I always felt good when the missionaries were in my home, and I always looked forward to their next visit.”The third outcome? Highly unlikely—and seemingly impossible. But for senior missionary Elder Laddie Stewart and his one-time-investigator-turned-mission president, President John Larkin, it’s a priceless reality.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/07/350-how-a-missionarys-former-investigator-became-his-mission-pre_3.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> This photo from 1983 includes Elder Laddie Stewart, left, and his investigator John Larkin. Larkin was baptized and is now serving as Elder Stewart’s mission president in the Marshall Islands/Kiribati Mission.</p>
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In 1988, “Brother” Larkin became “Bishop” Larkin. He would later serve in a stake presidency and presided over the Canberra Australia Stake for nine years.Elder Stewart and his companion challenged their inquisitive investigator to find answers and guidance through prayer. Personal revelation, they taught, would become his trusted friend.In 2016, President Larkin was called to preside over the Marshall Islands/Kiribati Mission. Half a world away, his friend Laddie marveled that the curious investigator who once filled their missionary discussions with gospel questions and apple pie would now be leading young missionaries.A few possible outcomes:Both men agree there are no coincidences in life. Elder Stewart references Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/dieter-f-uchtdorf?lang=eng">Dieter F. Uchtdorf</a> of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/commit-to-christ-follow-his-path-elder-uchtdorf-tells-young-single-adults?lang=eng">taught</a> that hindsight allows people to “connect the dots” of their own divinely guided lives.Soon a mission call to the Marshall Islands/Kiribati Mission arrived.(He also remembers sweetening their frequent visits with generous slices of apple pie.)Additional visits to the United States would follow, and the two growing families gathered together whenever possible.Then, “out of the blue,” he said, the phone rang. He immediately recognized the Australian accent on the other end of the line.In the early weeks of 1983, 19-year-old Elder Stewart and his companion, Elder Michael Bouy, were serving in Melbourne, Australia, when they followed up on a member referral.“I count serving alongside Elder Stewart on a mission as a highlight of our 36-year friendship,” he said. “His humility and kind nature continues to touch my heart.”Elder and Sister Stewart themselves had set a goal to serve a full-time mission together. Following his retirement last year from Mesa Public Schools, the Stewarts requested a senior missionary assignment with the Church’s International Teaching Education Program.Anyone who has served a proselytizing mission likely recognizes the first two scenarios.Elder and Sister Stewart have been in the mission field for just a few weeks, he added, “and already their love for the people and love for the gospel of Jesus Christ is touching the hearts of many others.”“Looking back, I can see that teaching institute was my mission for gaining a deeper knowledge of the gospel,” he said.Meanwhile, young Elder Stewart returned home to Arizona, attended college, began his career in education, married his wife, Lori, and started a family of his own.“John reached out to me and said he was coming to the States on a business trip and would like to reunite and visit,” said Elder Stewart. “I was beyond thrilled to see one of my converts doing so well.”At this moment a missionary is knocking on the door of a would-be investigator.John accepted their invitations and was soon preparing for baptism.They located the address and knocked on the door. John Larkin answered and invited them in. He had discussed the Church with a Latter-day Saint friend and eagerly began asking the missionaries question after question. Elder Stewart and Elder Bouy couldn't answer all his queries—but their teachings and testimonies soon took hold.“Going on a mission when I was 19 years old was a dot. Meeting and teaching John was another. … Now, getting to serve with him is a milestone-sized dot. I am honored and filled with joy.”The new convert initially hoped he could serve a full-time mission. But at 29, he was too old. So, he instead accepted a calling to teach institute. He also became a husband and later a father. He and his wife, Robyn, are the parents of six children.“The whole process took about a month from our first meeting to baptizing him,” said Elder Stewart. “The member lessons were just a spiritual feast. [John] was so energetic that he had us teach a friend who joined the Church a month later.”Welcoming the Stewarts to the mission field marked an unforgettable moment for President Larkin.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/how-a-missionarys-former-investigator-became-his-mission-president-and-lifelong-friend?lang=eng#1482433172Thu, 7 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Elder Andersen Praises European Latter-day Saints as “Defenders of the Faith”
https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-andersen-praises-european-latter-day-saints-as-defenders-of-the-faith?lang=eng
<p>Elder Andersen grew up in Idaho, thousands of miles from Europe. But many of the key moments of his life have occurred on the Continent.Through the testimony of goodly parents, daily prayer, and regular study of the Book of Mormon, many European children have found protection in their lives because they understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ.Some might argue that Europe enjoyed its Latter-day Saint “moment” in the 19th century when legions across the continent joined the Church and immigrated to the United States, providing an essential role in the growth of the young Church.But all, he said, can aptly be called “defenders of the faith.”Elder Helmut D. Wondra is an Area Seventy in Vienna. He grew up in the Church and is now raising his own children. The Wondras are emblematic of the many multigenerational chains “holding the line” across Europe.In recent decades, regions of the world such as Latin America and Africa have enjoyed prolific Church growth. Meanwhile, in Europe observant Christians are becoming minorities in many countries. “Because of that, they have become true defenders of the faith,” said Elder Andersen.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/06/350-european-latter-day-saints-defenders-of-the-faith_3.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Elder Andersen with Elder Caleb Wilkinson of the France Lyon Mission. Elder Wilkinson’s father, Matthew J. Wilkinson, was one of Elder Andersen’s missionaries when he presided as the president of the France Bordeaux Mission.</p>
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Elder Neil L. Andersen and Sister Kathy Andersen with Elder Helmut and Sister Julia Wondra and their sons, Samuel and Benjamin.The sign reads simply, “I am a defender of the faith.”“During his visit to Vienna, Elder Andersen encouraged us to be defenders of the faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,” wrote Elder Wondra. “In order to be able to do that I feel that we need to always remember our Savior and pray daily with real intent to have His Spirit with us at all times. We must search the scriptures and the words of our living prophets to find Him, to better understand Him and His doctrine and what He did for us.<strong>The temple: evidence of God’s love</strong><strong>“Defenders of the faith” in Europe</strong>Almost two years ago, France’s first temple was dedicated in Paris. Three new temples in Europe will be dedicated in the near future in Rome, Italy; Lisbon, Portugal; and Frankfurt, Germany.He served a full-time mission to France in the early 1970s and then returned to that nation as a mission president in 1989. Later, as a General Authority Seventy, he served in the Europe West Area Presidency.But Elder Andersen challenges any suggestion that Europe’s most pivotal contributions belong to Church history. Today’s European members continue to play an essential role in the growth and stability of the Church. During his recent assignment, Elder Andersen repeatedly felt an impression of European Latter-day Saints: defenders of the faith.“We are uniquely able to strengthen families because we have temples,” said the Church President. “The ordinances, covenants, and blessings of the holy temple are only offered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.<li>Elder Andersen is seen in another photo sharing a smile with Bernard Lilaud. Almost a half century ago, a young Elder Andersen and his missionary companion stopped Lilaud on a street in Angouleme and introduced him to the gospel.</li>As Latter-day Saints worldwide strive for “home-centered, Church-supported” families, they “can look to the long-established examples of many in Europe,” added Elder Andersen.Some of the people pictured with Elder Andersen are in their latter years. Others are young or at the cusp of middle age. A few are women. A few are men. Many are children.“The noblest yearning of the human heart is for a happy marriage that can endure beyond death. Fidelity to covenants made in a temple sealing will lead to just that.”<li>And in a photo snapped after a member meeting in Vienna, Austria, Elder and Sister Andersen greet a young girl who fashioned a makeshift sign during the gathering.</li>He marvels that 30 years have passed since he, Sister Andersen, and their children—Camey, Brandt, Kristen, and Derek—arrived in Bordeaux to begin his three-year assignment as a mission president.Now the Lilauds are a multigenerational Latter-day Saint family in France.<li>Another photo includes Jean and Marie-Blanche Caussé—both Church converts and the parents of the Presiding Bishop, Bishop <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/gerald-j-causse?lang=eng">Gérald Caussé</a>. The senior Caussé was Elder and Sister Kathy Andersen’s branch president three decades ago.</li>Latter-day Saints in Europe answer a sacred charge. “They defend the faith and keep the restored gospel firmly implanted with strong generations that come one after another,” he said.“I thought at the time that it would be our last ‘large’ service in the Church,” he said with a smile.“And then we need to try to follow His example by doing small acts of kindness and faith. The more we do that, the more we will be filled with His light, and then it will come natural for us to share it with our families, to teach our children about it, and to speak of the joy that we feel because of Him to our friends and people we meet.”His most recent European assignment (January 18–27) included a stop in Bristol, England, for a priesthood leadership conference; a first-time visit to Wales for a member meeting; a missionary meeting in Paris; a member meeting in Vienna, Austria; and time spent with local Church leaders and members in his mission “home” region in southern France.<li>In one photo, Elder Andersen stands shoulder to shoulder with Elder Caleb Wilkinson, a young missionary from England serving in France. When Elder Andersen presided over the France Bordeaux Mission, Elder Matthew J. Wilkinson’s father was one of his missionaries.</li>Continued temple building across Europe is comforting to the European Latter-day Saints, said Elder Andersen. It reminds them that God loves them and their relatives, on both sides of veil. They are never alone. Marie-Blanche and Jean Caussé stand with Elder Neil L. Andersen and Sister Kathy Andersen. Brother and Sister Caussé are the parents of Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé, and Brother Caussé is Elder and Sister Andersen’s former branch president.“They have been diligent and faithful in their service,” said Elder Andersen.Those family chains of faith were fortified by a visit from a latter-day Apostle.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/01/350-european-latter-day-saints-defenders-of-the-faith_5.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Elder Neil L. Andersen and Sister Kathy Andersen smile with a young girl after a meeting with Church members in Vienna. The young girl had made a sign during the meeting that read, “I am a defender of the faith.”</p>
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The Lord, he added, has revealed “there would be righteous people to receive Him at His coming” in all areas of the globe.Evidence of deep-rooted, gospel-centered homes abounds across many European countries. Elder Andersen was presiding over the Bordeaux mission in 1992 when then-Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles organized the Bordeaux France Stake. All three members of the original Bordeaux stake presidency were Church converts.“Today, all the members of the Bordeaux stake presidency—and all of their wives—grew up in the Church,” he said. “It’s an amazing difference. There is a power that is solid and real.”<strong>An Apostle’s “homecoming”</strong>Stretched across Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/neil-l-andersen?lang=eng">Neil L. Andersen</a>’s desk are several photos captured during his recent assignment to western Europe.One of the central opportunities of the restored gospel is to strengthen families through the temple, added Elder Andersen, citing a quote from President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/russell-m-nelson?lang=eng">Russell M. Nelson</a> at last October’s general conference leadership meeting:The many images double as both personal mementos for the Apostle and as visual testaments to the multigenerational power of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the Continent.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-andersen-praises-european-latter-day-saints-as-defenders-of-the-faith?lang=eng#4029497440Wed, 6 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Elder Soares Rededicates BYU Harman Continuing Education Building
https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-soares-rededicates-byu-harman-continuing-education-building?lang=eng
<p>In 2017, over 260,000 people were enrolled in some kind of Division of Continuing Education program, including evening classes, independent study classes, Especially for Youth, and much more. “That’s seven times what we have here in our student body,” President Worthen said. Jonathan Hokanson of Medford, Oregon, speaks to Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Rosana Soares, at the rededication for the Caroline Hemenway Harman Building at BYU in Provo, Utah, on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News. A student runs on the sidewalk past the Caroline Hemenway Harman Building at BYU in Provo, Utah, on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News. Visitors and others tour the Caroline Hemenway Harman Building at BYU in Provo, Utah, following the rededication on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News. BYU President Kevin J Worthen conducts the meeting prior to Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaking and giving the rededication prayer for the Caroline Hemenway Harman Building at BYU in Provo, Utah, on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.After most of her children had married, Caroline Harman continued to be productive. She began a chicken farm that soon had 1,000 chickens. As one biographer put it, “Aunt Carrie expected everything around her to be productive, and she would not have a lazy chicken. A hen who lacked commitment was invited for Sunday dinner.”President Hinckley previously dedicated the Harman Building on April 13, 1982. Ground was broken on June 24, 2016, to begin construction of the Harman Building addition, and remodeling of the rest of the building began. The new wing added 109,806 square feet to the building, resulting in a total 142,693 square feet and room to better house the independent study program.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/06/350-unsung-monumental-impact-harman-continuing-education-buildin_3.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gives a short speech and then the rededication prayer for the Caroline Hemenway Harman Building at BYU in Provo, Utah, on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.</p>
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Future generations of students will be benefited not only by the well-equipped facility, but also inspired by the history of love and sacrifice Harman was known for, Elder Soares said. Audience members listen as Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gives a short speech before giving the rededication prayer for the Caroline Hemenway Harman Building at BYU in Provo, Utah, on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.The original construction of the Harman building was made possible by Pete Harman, her sister’s son who Harman raised as her own after her sister died soon after childbirth. Elder Soares quoted him, saying, “She did more for people than anybody I know. … Aunt Carrie asked little of life. She gave much. This new building is my way of showing my gratitude and love for her.”PROVO, UTAHPresident Worthen described Caroline Harman as “unsung, resourceful, hard-working.”Elder Soares joined other Church leaders who have paid tribute to Caroline Harman. The Caroline Hemenway Harman Building at BYU in Provo, Utah, on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.“What I most admire at BYU is the combination of opportunities for lifelong learning experiences linked with consistent gospel vision and standards.”The story of L. W. “Pete” Harman is somewhat well-sung. After striking up a deal with Colonel Harland Sanders, the two opened Harman’s Cafe, which became one of the first fast food restaurants in existence. The two soon began the franchise KFC, and Harman takes credit for the development of the bucket packaging and his emphasis on the “finger-lickin’ good” motto.These same attributes apply to the <a href="https://ce.byu.edu/" class="sense-link">Division of Continuing Education</a>, he said. “It’s sort of unsung. It doesn’t often become the prominent feature of our university presentations. But in terms of its impact, because of the hardworking people who are here, it is without rival.”Following in the footsteps of President Hinckley, Elder Soares offered remarks at the rededication of the historic building. Shortly before, he had spoken at a <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/remember-the-savior-to-avoid-todays-leprosies-elder-ulisses-soares-says?lang=eng">devotional</a> in the Marriott Center.“So it is fitting as we think about this and engage in this rededication that we remember Caroline Hemenway Harman for her example of being someone who is resourceful, who worked hard, who worked through adversity, who is unsung.”BYU’s Continuing Education program formally began in 1921 to expand education opportunities for those not enrolled in regular daytime classes. Since that time, it has grown to more than 450,000 enrolled worldwide.It was the way Aunt Carrie cooked chicken that helped inspire Pete Harman to begin Harman’s Cafe.In his rededication remarks on February 5, BYU President Kevin J Worthen briefly outlined the life of Caroline Harman. She saw much adversity in her day, while also serving others without complaint. She was a widow three times over, raised 14 children (including her sister’s children after she died), and suffered from diabetes, all while taking responsibility for a 300-acre farm as well as serving as Relief Society president for 18 years.But his origins begin with someone whose story has gone mostly unsung. <a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/1982/10/remembering-aunt-carrie?lang=eng" class="sense-link">Caroline Hemenway Harman</a>—or Aunt Carrie, as she was known in the community and to Pete Harman—was such an example of self-reliance and service that a building on the Brigham Young University campus bears her name.Originally dedicated in 1982 by President Gordon B. Hinckley, the Caroline Hemenway Harman Continuing Education Building reflects the often unsung monumental impact this woman had on her family and community. Jessica Bryan and Joel Hemingway walk up the stairs of the Caroline Hemenway Harman Building after Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave the rededication prayer at BYU in Provo, Utah, on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.“As I read about her and learned about the type of life she lived, I was truly impressed by the Christlike attributes this wonderful woman held,” said Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/ulisses-soares?lang=eng">Ulisses Soares</a> of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “The records written by people who were related to her indicate that she was courageous, intelligent, very kind, full of charity and love and goodness, and would bring sunshine everywhere she went and would always stand up for the weak and the unfortunate.” BYU President Kevin J Worthen conducts the meeting prior to Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaking and giving the rededication prayer for the Caroline Hemenway Harman Building at BYU in Provo, Utah, on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.Expressing his deep gratitude for all who, in one way or another, are part of the “wonderful things that happen in this building,” Elder Soares told them, “What you do affects the lives of all those who pursue their education here in the marvelous university. …
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/06/350-unsung-monumental-impact-harman-continuing-education-buildin_9(1).jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Rosana Soares, arrive for the rededication of the Caroline Hemenway Harman Building at BYU in Provo, Utah, on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.</p>
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https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-soares-rededicates-byu-harman-continuing-education-building?lang=eng#310262087Wed, 6 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Elder Cook Teaches 4 Principles to Avoid Spiritual Ignorance and Moral Blindness
https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-cook-teaches-4-principles-to-avoid-spiritual-ignorance-and-moral-blindness?lang=eng
<p><strong>One’s own testimony</strong>Announcing the title of his remarks as “Spiritual Ignorance Leads to Moral Blindness: Righteous Spiritual Choices Are the Antidote,” Elder Cook offered four principles:<li>“First, continue your quest for spiritual and temporal knowledge.</li><li>“Second, your righteous spiritual choices matter,” as he cautioned against rationalization and encouraged listeners to remember their accountability to the Savior.</li><li>“Third, day-to-day consecrated effort is better than occasional heroic actions.</li><li>“Fourth, be strong and immovable in matters of spirituality and righteousness.”</li>As a Stanford Law School graduate studying for the California bar exam, 25-year-old <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/quentin-l-cook?lang=eng">Quentin L. Cook</a> was called to Utah to visit his dying, 86-year-old grandfather.“'The impressions on the soul that come from the Holy Ghost are far more significant than a vision,'” he said, quoting President Joseph Fielding Smith. “'It is where spirit speaks to spirit, and the imprint upon the soul is far more difficult to erase.'”Focusing on anger and morality as two such passions, Elder Cook said the world teaches we cannot control passions and the adversary seeks “to fill our lives with visual evidence of violence and immorality.”Distressed over his son’s unrighteousness, Alma needed to teach repentance and forsaking sins, including what Elder Cook said in <a href="http://classic.scriptures.lds.org/en/search?type=references&amp;last=alma+39%253A12&amp;help=&amp;ro=checked&amp;search=alma+39%253A11%250D%250A&amp;do=Search&amp;show=%250D%250A%250D%250A" target="_blank">Alma 39:11</a> “has been called the 13 saddest words in scripture: ‘for when they saw your conduct they would not believe in my words.’”The grandfather shared his own testimony and had three concerns. First, he loved all his 10 children but was concerned for one who was less active. Second, he hoped that his own father and grandfather would approve of how he had lived his life. He pointed out that his father, David Patten Kimball—one of the Martin handcart company rescuers who helped carry weakened Saints across the icy Sweetwater River—died when he was 3 years old, and his grandfather was early Church leader Heber C. Kimball. He then cautioned his grandson to not feel any inappropriate pride or superiority because of his heritage. Third, he shared his anticipation of meeting the Savior, and he hoped that he had been sufficiently repentant to qualify for the Savior’s mercy, noting it is the most important meeting for all of us. A choir of Utah Valley University students sings at the Utah Valley Institute’s February 1, 2019, devotional with Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in Orem, Utah. Photo by Scott Taylor, Church News.He shared <a href="http://classic.scriptures.lds.org/en/search?type=references&amp;last=alma+39%253A11&amp;help=&amp;ro=checked&amp;search=alma+42%253A29%250D%250A&amp;do=Search&amp;show=%250D%250A%250D%250A%250D%250A%250D%250A" target="_blank">verse 29</a> of Alma speaking to Corianton: “And now, my son, I desire that ye should let these things trouble you no more, and only let your sins trouble you, with that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance.”He cited his great-great-grandfather Heber C. Kimball on the need for a personal testimony: “The time will come when no man or woman will be able to endure on borrowed light. Each will have to be guided by the light within himself. If you do not have it, how can you stand? If you do not have it, you will not stand; therefore seek for the testimony of Jesus and cleave to it, that when the trying time comes you may not stumble and fall.”The grandson—now Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/quentin-l-cook?lang=eng">Quentin L. Cook</a> of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles—recalled that visit as he spoke in a Friday devotional at the Utah Valley Institute in Orem, Utah, likening it somewhat to Alma the Younger’s counsel to his three sons in the Book of Mormon and underscoring the importance of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.OREM, UTAH<strong>Bridle passions</strong>“My experience in counseling those who have fallen into immoral conduct is that there were usually one or two bad decisions they made before engaging in sinful conduct,” he said.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/04/350-spiritual-ignorance-leads-to-moral-blindness-with-righteous-_3.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks about making righteous decisions during a devotional at the Utah Valley Institute in Orem, Utah. Photo by Scott Taylor, Church News.</p>
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“All of us have sinned, and it is only through the Atonement that we can obtain mercy and live with God,” Elder Cook said. “I can remember to this day the great love that my grandpa had for the Savior and the appreciation he had for the Atonement.”Elder Cook then listed bad decisions Corianton had made in his moving from missionary to moral transgression: entertaining bad thoughts, leaving his companion, leaving his field of labor, and going where there was much sin.Visions and manifestations like Alma seeing an angel are rare, said Elder Cook, adding that spiritual impressions are more typical and those made by the Holy Ghost can be equally as important as manifestations.He also encouraged them to lead pure moral lives, staying away from pornography and controlling thoughts and language as well as actions.Speaking first to Helaman, as found in <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/36.3?lang=eng#2" target="_blank">Alma 36</a>, Alma underscores the importance of having a testimony of God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. While recounting his conversion, Alma wants Helaman to have his own testimony, Elder Cook taught.“So Alma’s counsel was to bridle passions and for those who have made mistakes to repent,” he said.Alma, the son of Alma the prophet, was the chief judge of the nation, a high priest, and a prophet himself, shaped by a miraculous conversion that he recounted to his sons. Helaman and Shiblon had made good choices; Corianton had made very bad ones and was the focal point of much of Alma’s counsel, as found in <a href="https://www.lds.org/manual/book-of-mormon-teacher-resource-manual/the-book-of-alma/alma-36-42?lang=eng">Alma chapters 36 through 42</a> in the Book of Mormon.From <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/39.3-5?lang=eng#2" target="_blank">chapters 39 through 42</a>, a loving father teaches his sons about justice, punishment, repentance, mercy, and the Atonement, Elder Cook summarized, asking his listeners to read <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/42.8?lang=eng#7" target="_blank">Alma 42</a> and “ponder this wonderful doctrine.”Noting that some cultures accept spouses hitting each other or parents striking a child, Elder Cook challenged listeners to “make up your mind that regardless of whether your parents did or did not hit you, you will not hit or verbally abuse your spouse or children.”Danielle D’Costa, a Utah Valley University student from Auckland, New Zealand, appreciated Elder Cook’s straightforward counsel. “I think he was very direct and to the point—no fluff, no jokes, just to the point.”“Alma’s counsel to his sons on making spiritual and righteous choices is a great summary of the principles I have mentioned,” he said.<strong>Repentance and the Atonement</strong>Emily Adams from Pleasant Grove, Utah, appreciated the Apostle’s third principle that day-to-day consecrated effort is better than occasional heroic actions. “It’s my daily habits that are going to affect me the most,” she said.Alma’s counsel to Shiblon includes the phrase in <a href="http://classic.scriptures.lds.org/en/alma/38/12a" target="_blank">Alma 38:12</a>, “see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love.”</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-cook-teaches-4-principles-to-avoid-spiritual-ignorance-and-moral-blindness?lang=eng#3013161532Wed, 6 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Tanner Gift of Music Concert to Celebrate Golden Spike 150th Anniversary
https://www.lds.org/church/news/tanner-gift-of-music-concert-to-celebrate-golden-spike-150th-anniversary?lang=eng
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<p>The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and the Utah Symphony will present the 2019 O.C. Tanner Gift of Music Concert on Friday, May 10, in the Conference Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as part of <a href="http://www.spike150.org/"><strong>Golden Spike 150th Celebration</strong></a> events and activities. The choir and symphony will be joined on stage by two talented Broadway stars, <a href="https://www.brianstokes.com/"><strong>Brian Stokes Mitchell</strong></a> and <a href="https://www.meganhiltyonline.com/bio/"><strong>Megan Hilty.</strong></a></p>
<p><strong>Featured guest artists</strong></p>
<p>Brian Stokes Mitchell first performed with the Choir in another Tanner Gift of Music concert in September 2008, which also featured Denyce Graves and guest conductor Erich Kunzel. The response to Mitchell was so positive that he was invited back that very same year as the featured guest for the 2008 Christmas concerts with narrator Edward Hermann. Stokes, as he is affectionately called, can be heard on the Choir’s <em>Ring Christmas Bells </em>CD and DVD as well as on the <em>Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Friends</em> CD. He has received Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle awards for his starring roles on Broadway. In 2016 Stokes was inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame. Currently he is appearing in a new CBS TV show, <em>Fam.</em></p>
<p>This is Megan Hilty’s first time performing with the Tabernacle Choir and Utah Symphony. She is well known on Broadway for her leading roles in <em>Wicked, 9 to 5 the Musical, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, </em>and<em> Noises Off, </em>where she received a 2016 Tony Award nomination. Television audiences will recognize her talent from the two-year series <em>Smash </em>about an actress trying to land a role on in a Broadway musical.</p>
<p><strong>Golden Spike anniversary</strong></p>
<p>On May 10, 1869, at Promontory Summit, Utah, one of the most important historical events in American history took place with the completion of the transcontinental railroad, which unified the country by rail. As the last rails were laid—and the ceremonial golden spike was driven—shortly after 12:30 p.m., the promised telegraph signal alerted everyone across the nation that the work had been completed.</p>
<p>In Salt Lake City at the signal, the national flag was raised, brass bands played, and artillery salutes were fired from the court house, city hall, and Arsenal Hill, letting everyone in the valley know that the work was accomplished. The principal business places, stores, and factories were closed, and work was suspended for the rest of the day. In about an hour’s time, the citizens began to assemble in the Tabernacle on Temple Square for a celebratory gathering of dignitaries and residents with music and accolades of appreciation.</p>
<p><strong>Tickets</strong></p>
<p>Tickets for the Tanner Gift of Music concert will be free but are required. Admission will be open to everyone eight years and older. Information about ticket availability will be announced in April.</p>
<p><strong>History of the O.C. Tanner Gift of Music concerts</strong></p>
<p>The O.C. Tanner Gift of Music Concert series began in 1983 from the combined vision of the late Utah philanthropist O.C. Tanner and Gordon B. Hinckley, former president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These two life-long neighbors and friends wanted to share the talents of The Tabernacle Choir and Utah Symphony as a free gift to the community through periodic concerts. Through a generous endowment established by Mr. Tanner and his family, this will be the choir and cymphony’s 18th concert and gift to the community.</p>
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https://www.lds.org/church/news/tanner-gift-of-music-concert-to-celebrate-golden-spike-150th-anniversary?lang=eng#292746926Tue, 5 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
2019 Mission Presidents Called to Ecuador, Singapore, Korea, and More
https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-ecuador-singapore-korea-and-more?lang=eng
<p><strong>Singapore Mission</strong><img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/31/new-mission-presidents_16-2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width:160px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Gabriela and Leopoldo Zuñiga</p>
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<strong>Brazil São Paulo West Mission</strong>Sister Wright is an area temple and family history consultant and a stake Primary presidency counselor and a former ward Relief Society presidency counselor, Cub Scout leader, Nursery leader, Primary teacher, and activity days leader. She was born in Provo, Utah, to Ruel Acord Allred and Betty Best Allred.<strong>Robert C. Henke</strong>, 59, and <strong>Mary Ann Henke</strong>, five children, Providence 12th Ward, Providence Utah Stake: México Ciudad Juárez Mission, succeeding President J. Randall Owen and Sister Suzette B. Owen. <strong>Brazil Natal Mission</strong><strong>Reid L. Neilson</strong>, 46, and <strong>Shelly A. Neilson</strong>, five children, Bountiful 50th Ward, Bountiful Utah Heights Stake: Washington DC North Mission, succeeding President Stephen C. Johnson and Sister Beth Johnson. Brother Udoh is a secretary to an Area Seventy and a former mission presidency counselor and stake presidency counselor. He was born in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, to Michael Okon Udoh-Nseme and Arit Okon Etim.Sister Rush is a ward Primary presidency secretary and a former stake Primary presidency counselor, ward Relief Society president, ward Relief Society and Young Women presidency counselor, and Sunday School teacher. She was born in Englewood, Colorado, to Daniel Howard Spencer and Vera Avalene Larsen.<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/31/new-mission-presidents_3-2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width:160px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Angelina Ramon and Victor Esparza Villasana</p>
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<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/31/new-mission-presidents_12-2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width:160px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Alan B. and Susan F. Tingey</p>
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Sister Foster is a Relief Society teacher and a former ward Relief Society president, ward Young Women and Primary presidency counselor, ward temple and family history consultant, and ward organist. She was born in Ashton, Idaho, to James Basil Manwaring and Edna Adams Manwaring.Sister Beardall is a stake temple and family history consultant and a former stake and ward Young Women presidency counselor, ward Relief Society and Primary president, family history center director, and ward missionary. She was born in Provo, Utah, to Harry Stanley Nielsen and Lois Gifford Nielsen.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/31/new-mission-presidents_2-2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width:160px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Keith M. and Lori B. Dunford</p>
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<strong>Korea Seoul South Mission</strong><strong>México Ciudad Juárez Mission</strong><img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/31/new-mission-presidents_7-2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width:160px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Brett and Amy Horsley</p>
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Brother Henke is a stake president and a former stake presidency counselor, bishop, high councilor, bishopric counselor, elders quorum president, and missionary in the El Salvador/Costa Rica/Honduras Mission. He was born in San Diego, California, to Douglas Carl Henke and Donna Mae Hammett Henke.<strong>México Culiacán Mission</strong>Sister Zuñiga is a temple ordinance worker and seminary supervisor and a former stake Young Women president, ward Primary president, ward Relief Society presidency counselor, and seminary teacher. She was born in Laboulaye, Córdoba, Argentina, to Raul Isidro Fantini and Delia Esther Fantini.<strong>Boyd S Foster</strong>, 61, and <strong>Laurie Foster</strong>, six children, Clark Ward, Ririe Idaho Stake: Marshall Islands/Kiribati Mission, succeeding President John F. Larkin and Sister Robyn Larkin. Brother Dunford is a stake self-reliance specialist and a former stake president, bishop, high priests group leader, ward Young Men president, and missionary in the Spain Barcelona Mission. He was born in Provo, Utah, to Max Patterson Dunford and Katie Pearl Thornhill Dunford.<strong>Nathan M. Sargent</strong>, 46, and <strong>Nicole N. Sargent</strong>, six children, Lake Creek 1st Ward, Heber City Utah East Stake: Korea Seoul South Mission, succeeding President Roger W. Turner and Sister Terri L. Turner. <img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/31/new-mission-presidents_6-2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width:160px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Robert C. and Mary Ann Henke</p>
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<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/31/new-mission-presidents_14-2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width:160px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Leonard and Rita Woo</p>
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<strong>Argentina Buenos Aires North Mission</strong><strong>Alan B. Tingey</strong>, 65, and <strong>Susan F. Tingey</strong>, eight children, East Mill Creek 12th Ward, Salt Lake East Mill Creek North Stake: Ecuador Guayaquil South Mission, succeeding President Pablo Moreno Hortua and Sister Libia Moreno. Sister Sargent is a Primary activity days leader and stake language missionary and a former stake Young Women presidency secretary, ward Primary president, and ward Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary presidency counselor. She was born in Salt Lake City to Michael Antone Neider and Rosemary Curtis Neider.Brother Miranda is a stake Sunday School president and a former stake presidency counselor, bishop, high councilor, bishopric counselor, district presidency counselor, and missionary in the Brazil Rio de Janeiro/Brasilia Mission. He was born in São Paulo, Brazil, to Milton Miranda and Ephigênia Guiette Gallo Miranda.<strong>Nigeria Lagos Mission</strong>The following new mission presidents and their wives have been called by the First Presidency. They will begin their service in July of 2019. Biographies of other mission presidency couples will be published throughout 2019 on <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/?lang=eng">news.lds.org</a>. (<a href="https://www.lds.org/search?lang=eng&amp;domains=news-and-events&amp;query=new+2019+mission+presidents+site%25253awww.lds.org%25252fchurch%25252fnews">See other published biographies</a>.)<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/31/new-mission-presidents_10-2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width:160px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Debbie and Michael C. Rush</p>
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Sister Henke is a ward Young Women president and a former stake and ward Primary president, ward Relief Society presidency counselor, Young Women adviser, ward Primary presidency counselor, and Relief Society teacher. She was born in Ogden, Utah, to Garnel Melroy Larsen and Charlene Larsen.<strong>Emilton Miranda</strong>, 53, and <strong>Aparecida Miranda</strong>, three children, Santana Ward, São Paulo Brazil North Stake: Brazil Natal Mission, succeeding President Eliseu Colleoni and Sister Tania Teresa Colleoni. Sister Neilson is a Primary teacher and a former ward Young Women president and ward Young Women presidency counselor. She was born in Logan, Utah, to Loren Runar Anderson and Mary T Anderson.<strong>Victor Esparza Villasana</strong>, 60, and <strong>Angelina Ramon de Esparza</strong>, three children, Azcapotzalco Ward, México City Camarones Stake: México Culiacán Mission, succeeding President Carlos A. Gabaldón Royval and Sister Ana Laura Gabaldón. Brother Woo is an Area Seventy and a former mission presidency counselor, stake president, and branch president. He was born in Singapore to Shee Cheng Woo and Wan Tai Ho.<strong>Washington DC North Mission</strong>Sister Tingey is a YSA stake welfare specialist and a former stake Young Women and Primary presidency counselor, ward Young Women and Primary president, ward Relief Society presidency counselor, and Gospel Doctrine teacher. She was born in Salt Lake City to Reed Eugene Fogg and Lorraine Snarr Fogg.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/31/new-mission-presidents_4-2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width:160px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Laurie and Boyd S Foster</p>
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<strong>Keith M. Dunford</strong>, 61, and <strong>Lori B. Dunford</strong>, eight children, Snowflake 9th Ward, Snowflake Arizona Stake: Uruguay Montevideo West Mission, succeeding President Ryan K. Olsen and Sister Julie Olsen. Brother Sargent is a stake presidency counselor and a former high councilor, bishopric counselor, elders quorum presidency counselor, Primary teacher, and missionary in the Korea Seoul West Mission. He was born in Ogden, Utah, to Milton Kenneth Sargent and Becky Boyer Sargent.Brother Tingey is a YSA stake president and a former stake president, stake Young Men president, bishop, bishopric counselor, Sunday School teacher, and missionary in the Guatemala/El Salvador Mission. He was born in Salt Lake City to Burton Stafford Tingey and Beverley Davis Tingey.<strong>M. Kirk Green</strong>, 60, and <strong>Sally Thomas Green</strong>, six children, Centerville 7th Ward, Centerville Utah South Stake: England Leeds Mission, succeeding President Martin J. Turvey and Sister Debra L. Turvey. Sister Woo is a Sunday School teacher and a former stake and ward Relief Society president, branch Young Women and Primary president, and institute teacher. She was born in Singapore to Hoh Sim and Liang Hiang Sim.<strong>Michael C. Rush</strong>, 52, and <strong>Debbie Rush</strong>, four children, McArthur Ranch Ward, Highlands Ranch Colorado Stake: México México City Chalco Mission, succeeding President Francisco Zapata Orozco and Sister Maria Esther Marin de Zapata. Brother Esparza is a stake presidency counselor and a former stake president, mission presidency counselor, and missionary in the México México City South Mission. He was born in Tampico, Tamaulipas, México, to Antonio Esparza and Josefina Villasana.Sister Udoh is a ward Relief Society president and a former institute teacher. She was born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, to Izegaegbe Anthony and Imonokha Margaret.<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/31/new-mission-presidents_5-2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width:160px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> M. Kirk and Sally Thomas Green</p>
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<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/31/new-mission-presidents_13-2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width:160px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Emmanuel O. and Tina Elizabeth Udoh</p>
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Brother Rush is a high councilor and a former bishop, bishopric counselor, elders quorum president, ward Young Men president, seminary teacher, and missionary in the Peru Lima North Mission. He was born in La Mesa, California, to Julian Roy Rush Jr. and Sandra Nielson Rush.Brother Neilson is an assistant Church historian and recorder and a former high councilor, elders quorum president, ward Young Men president, Sunday School teacher, and missionary in the Japan Sapporo Mission. He was born in Glendale, California, to Ralph Reid Neilson and Katherine Larkin Neilson.Sister Green is a stake Primary presidency counselor and a former ward Relief Society and Young Women president, Young Women adviser, ward Primary presidency counselor, activity days leader, and Gospel Doctrine teacher. She was born in Salt Lake City to Raymond Earl Thomas and Joyce Holbrook Thomas.<strong>México México City Chalco Mission</strong>Brother Wright is a sealer, stake mission preparation instructor, and area temple and family history consultant and a former stake president, stake presidency counselor, Gospel Doctrine teacher, and missionary in the Belgium Antwerp Mission. He was born in Salt Lake City to Donald Nicoles Wright and June Edwards Wright.<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/31/new-mission-presidents_11-2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width:160px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Nathan M. and Nicole N. Sargent</p>
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<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/31/new-mission-presidents_9-2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width:160px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Shelly A. and Reid L. Neilson</p>
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<strong>Washington Seattle Mission</strong><strong>Uruguay Montevideo West Mission</strong><strong>Arizona Gilbert Mission</strong><strong>Gordon K. Wright</strong>, 60, and <strong>Lynette A. Wright</strong>, six children, Allen 3rd Ward, Allen Texas Stake: Arizona Gilbert Mission, succeeding President Richard W. Wheeler and Sister Linda N. Wheeler. <img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/31/new-mission-presidents_1-2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width:160px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Larry K. and Laurie Beardall</p>
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Sister Esparza is a stake Relief Society presidency counselor and a former stake Young Women president, stake Relief Society presidency counselor, seminary teacher, and missionary in the México México City South Mission. She was born in Sabinas, Coahuila, México, to Dámaso Ramón and Cruz Dora López.<strong>Larry K. Beardall</strong>, 63, and <strong>Laurie Beardall</strong>, four children, Willow Hills Ward, Sandy Utah Granite Stake: Washington Seattle Mission, succeeding President Sterling A. Rasmussen and Sister Cheryl Rasmussen. <strong>England Leeds Mission</strong><img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/31/new-mission-presidents_15-2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width:160px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Gordon K. and Lynette A. Wright</p>
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Sister Dunford is a stake self-reliance specialist and a former ward Relief Society and Young Women president, branch Primary presidency counselor, Primary music leader, and missionary in the Spain Madrid Mission. She was born in McNary, Arizona, to Darrell Lake Brimhall and Hazel Pearl Bryant Brimhall.Brother Beardall is a stake presidency counselor and a former stake and ward Young Men president, bishop, high councilor, ward mission leader, and missionary in the Canada Montreal Mission. He was born in Provo, Utah, to Keith Eugene Beardall and Maurine Spratling Beardall.<strong>Leonard Woo</strong>, 62, and <strong>Rita Woo</strong>, four children, Newton Ward, Singapore Stake: Singapore Mission, succeeding President Paul S. Rowley and Sister Robin M. Rowley. <strong>Leopoldo Zuñiga</strong>, 44, and <strong>Gabriela Zuñiga</strong>, five children, La Paz Ward, Córdoba Argentina West Stake: Argentina Buenos Aires North Mission, succeeding President Robert T. Smith and Sister Kristine Smith.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/31/new-mission-presidents_8-2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width:160px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Emilton and Aparecida Miranda</p>
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Brother Horsley is a priests quorum advisor and a former temple ordinance worker, stake president, bishop, elders quorum president, Gospel Doctrine teacher, and missionary in the Brazil São Paulo South Mission. He was born in Downey, Idaho, to E. Spence Horsley and Deborah Field Horsley.<strong>Ecuador Guayaquil South Mission</strong>Sister Horsley is a Relief Society instructor and a former temple ordinance worker, stake Young Women presidency counselor, ward Young Women president, and ward Relief Society and Primary presidency counselor. She was born in Provo, Utah, to Hal Leon Marchbanks and Terry Smith Marchbanks.Sister Miranda is a stake Primary presidency counselor and a former stake Relief Society president and presidency counselor, stake temple and family history consultant, ward Relief Society and Primary presidency counselor, and district Young Women president. She was born in Mirassol, São Paulo, Brazil, to Francisco Alves Pereira and Rosa Francisca Pereira.<strong>Emmanuel O. Udoh</strong>, 54, and <strong>Tina Elizabeth Udoh</strong>, six children, Mgbuosimini Ward, Port Harcourt Nigeria West Stake: Nigeria Lagos Mission, succeeding President Cornelius O. Tay and Sister Caroline Olabisi Tay. Brother Foster is a former stake president, bishop, high councilor, bishopric counselor, ward Young Men president, and missionary in the New Zealand Wellington Mission. He was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Dewain Claxton Foster and Melba Leone Sauer Foster.<strong>Brett Horsley</strong>, 49, and <strong>Amy Horsley</strong>, five children. Logan 19th Ward, Logan Utah Central Stake: Brazil São Paulo West Mission, succeeding President Thomas W. Thomas and Sister Ellen Mathias Thomas. Brother Green is a Sunday School teacher and a former stake presidency counselor, bishop, high councilor, ward Young Men president, and missionary in the Massachusetts Boston Mission. He was born in Billings, Montana, to Melvin Carl Green and Eleanor Marie Slater Green.<strong>Marshall Islands/Kiribati Mission</strong>Brother Zuñiga is a bishopric counselor and temple ordinance worker and a former stake presidency counselor, bishop, and missionary in the Chile Antofagasta Mission. He was born in Vicente López, Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Julio Alberto Zuñiga and Silvia Esterkin.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-ecuador-singapore-korea-and-more?lang=eng#1225445672Tue, 5 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Remember the Savior to Avoid Today’s “Leprosies,” Elder Ulisses Soares Says
https://www.lds.org/church/news/remember-the-savior-to-avoid-todays-leprosies-elder-ulisses-soares-says?lang=eng
<p>The word <em>remember</em> is used hundreds of times in the scriptures. In the Hebrew context, the word involves a knowledge that is accompanied by appropriate action. “Thus, ‘doing’ is an essential part of the remembering,” Elder Soares explained.Josh Barlow, a sophomore from Salt Lake City, appreciated how genuine and loving Elder Soares was. “It was very clear that he himself remembers the Savior in everything that he does, so it was very easy to feel how important his invitation was when he extended it to us,” he said.Following the devotional, Elder Soares dedicated a new wing of the Caroline Hemenway Harman Building on the BYU Provo campus. (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-soares-rededicates-byu-harman-continuing-education-building?lang=eng">related story.</a>)“Through this revelation, the Lord taught us about the why, the how, and the what to do to ‘always remember Him,’” Elder Soares said. “The why: ‘to fully keep thyself unspotted from the world.’ The how: ‘that thy vows shall be offered up in righteousness with a broken heart and contrite spirit.’ And finally the what: ‘to offer thine oblations and thy sacraments unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy brethren, and before the Lord.’” Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles waves as he exits after speaking at a devotional at BYU in Provo on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.However, this is also a challenging time. “We have seen steadily declining moral values that have dramatically changed the world through the years.”“I think taking time to remember Him every day and doing the things He wants me to do will bless me to look forward to and be ready for the sacrament.”Happiness and peace in this life and in the world to come depend upon remembering the Savior and covenants with Him daily. Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles greets some of the people attending as he exits after speaking at a devotional at BYU in Provo on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.As Elder Soares spoke, Jardine realized that in her efforts to remember the Savior, ”I need to make it not only a daily, but hourly mental thought—to always be actively remembering the Savior in everything that I do.”A year after the Restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joseph Smith received a revelation from the Lord, found in <a href="/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/59.8-12?lang=eng#7" target="_blank" class="sense-link">Doctrine and Covenants 59</a>, that gave a broader dimension to the covenant to “always remember Him.”Melissa Jardine, a sophomore from Salt Lake City, said college students tend to be worried and stressed about many things. But she learned in the devotional that as one remembers the Savior, “we’ll be blessed, we’ll be provided for, and things will work out as we need them to. We can’t fall into that pride cycle of remembering the Lord and then when everything is OK to forget about Him.”Inviting the students to consider things they could do to always remember Jesus Christ every day, the Apostle left a blessing on them to help them always remember and recognize the Savior in their lives; to allow His influence to guide their thoughts, feelings, and decisions; and to feel of the Savior’s love and real concern for their well-being. Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Rosana Soares, take their seats prior to his speaking at a devotional at BYU in Provo on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.“I invite you to feel for His love and have faith that He will come to you. I promise that He is near and that He will, indeed, come to you. He will always be with us.”“In summary, the more we remember the Lord, the more power we will have to keep on the path doing what the Lord expects from us.”The covenant to “always remember Him” should influence and inspire every decision and action one makes in his or her life, Elder Soares said. “It affects, for example, how we speak, what we choose to do, to watch, to read, and to listen to, and how we treat one another. I can assure you that the Lord Himself will inspire these decisions, guide us in our challenges, and assure that the harvest will be positive.” Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles greets some of the people attending as he exits after speaking at a devotional at BYU in Provo on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.So, how can this generation avoid being affected by modern-day leprosies and always remember the Lord? he asked.Gates appreciated the simplicity and power of finding happiness and peace by remembering the Savior. “Choosing to let Him be a part of our life and relying on Him really does bless us to have joy.”But pride in his military triumphs, great power, and wealth caused him to forget the Lord. For this sin, Uzziah was struck with leprosy and forced to live in isolation from his people until he died.“Uzziah prospered in every way in his life while he remembered the Lord, but when he forgot Him, Uzziah experienced heartbreak, disappointment, and sorrow for his sin,” Elder Soares said.The Apostle’s message defined something that Barlow had been feeling for some time: “I need to make more of an effort to remember the Savior on a daily basis.”During the sacrament, those who partake covenant to “always remember Him, the Savior. This covenant is repeated in both sacrament prayers.” Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles blows a kiss to the audience as he and his wife, Sister Rosana Soares, take their seats prior to his speaking at a devotional at BYU in Provo on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.Elder Soares told the students they have been preserved to be born at a time during preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. “Truly, there has never been a time like this in the history of the world,” he said. “We are living in a time of significant technological, medical, and scientific advancement.”Given the reality of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, life has eternal and divine possibilities for those who always remember Him, Elder Soares said. “It is of central importance to remember the feelings we have when we partake of the sacrament. We are preparing for eternal life and exaltation as we partake of the sacrament and promise to remember the Savior in our hearts and minds.”Alyssa Gates, a junior from Provo studying interdisciplinary humanities, loved Elder Soares’s invitation to feel the Savior’s love. “We choose to let the Savior into our lives,” she said.Partaking of the sacrament is regarded with such importance by Heavenly Father that followers are admonished to partake of it regularly every Sunday.As an example, Elder Soares told the story of Uzziah, one of the kings of Judah whose name means “Jehovah is my strength,” or “Jehovah’s strength.” Uzziah was known as one who always remembered the Lord, and during his reign, the kingdom of Judah experienced the greatest period of prosperity since King Solomon’s time.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/05/350-elder-ulisses-soares-shares-how-to-avoid-%E2%80%98modern-leprosies-d_9.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks at a devotional at BYU in Provo on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.</p>
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The scriptures demonstrate a similar cycle of prosperity and pride that has affected God’s children throughout human history, Elder Soares said. When people remembered the Lord, they prospered; when they forgot Him, they fell into a cycle of pride, resulting in rejecting the Lord and the poor and needy, he said. Eventually the society collapsed, and through those resulting trials, the people became humble and repented, turning back to the Lord.That was the message Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared during a Brigham Young University devotional held in the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah, on February 5.PROVO, UTAH</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/remember-the-savior-to-avoid-todays-leprosies-elder-ulisses-soares-says?lang=eng#3585986136Tue, 5 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
President Oaks Counsels Young Couples Defending the Gospel “on the Frontline”
https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-oaks-counsels-young-couples-defending-the-gospel-on-the-frontline-?lang=eng
<p>President Oaks admonished young fathers to “rise up to [their] responsibilities,” lead their families in righteousness, and be united with their wives and children.Such challenges concern the Church. President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency participates in a panel discussion during a devotional for young married couples in downtown Chicago on February 2, 2019. Photo by Marlene Clayton.“His love for the Saints and theirs for him was palpable. His powerful and sincere testimony of the Savior encouraged and strengthened us all. What a privilege it was to be taught by President Oaks.”The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is anchored to the family. Its highest aspirations are to perpetuate family relationships throughout eternity.The General Authorities, he added, value “the experience and voice and wisdom” of the sister leaders, particularly the General Officers of the auxiliary presidencies.Additionally, many members—“and you are surely among them”—live in areas where they are a small minority. Each day they associate, and are sometimes governed by, persons who have “radically different” beliefs and standards.“For example, the voices of young mothers who had great difficulty managing children during a 3-hour block of meetings on Sunday was an important consideration in reducing our worship meetings to two hours and Primary’s duration commensurately.”
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Sister Kristen Oaks shares insight during a February 2, 2019, devotional for young married couples in downtown Chicago. Also pictured is President Dallin H. Oaks. Photo by Marlene Clayton.</p>
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Church leaders and teachers should use every possible opportunity to recognize the preeminence and strengthen the position of the home and family.“When you are asked a difficult question, such as a puzzler about Church history, be honest and, if necessary, say you don’t know. But then be sure to say what you do know: ‘I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.’”An overflow crowd filled the Clark Street meetinghouse in a downtown section of the Windy City. As subzero temperatures in the region have snagged headlines over the past several days, for local Latter-day Saints the joy of hosting a member of the First Presidency was perhaps augmented on Saturday by warmer temperatures, which made the early February conditions feel almost pleasant.CHICAGO, ILLINOISParents should carefully manage the time they spend with their children, he added. Be careful not to focus on things that are “merely good” and leave little time for that which is “better or best.”A strong Church, he concluded, first requires strong families.“We are taught to love our neighbors, but it is not easy to love and live with those who have different standards and sometimes challenge us and our standards in a persuasive or even threatening way,” he said.Young married Latter-day Saints are serving “on the frontline” in matters of great consequence to the Church. Young married couples gather February 2, 2019, for a devotional in downtown Chicago. President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency presided at the gathering. Photo by Marlene Clayton.“I suggest that research is not the answer,” he said.“You <i>are</i> the rising generation and you are <i>raising</i> the next generation,” said President Dallin H. Oaks at a Saturday devotional for young marrieds. “You are doing what is vitally important to the Church in our day. We love you for that and for your faithfulness in pressing forward with what is most important to all of us.”“Your generation has grown up with an avalanche of information about the history of the Church that is new to many and concerning to some,” he said. “The time-honored principles of relying on and trusting the Lord and His servants are questioned by some.”President Oaks also encouraged parents to study President Russell M. Nelson’s many family-themed addresses, which include “precious content” for teaching children.The Church does offer answers to many familiar questions through its <a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/essays?lang=eng">Gospel Topics essays</a> found at <a href="https://www.lds.org/topics?lang=eng">LDS.org</a>.President Oaks also offered suggestions on teaching children. Answering a child’s difficult question is one of the most important things a parent can do.“These sisters were consulted frequently on the important developments announced during the last year, and their advice was embodied in all of them.”The panel answered questions from the audience on a variety of family-related subjects—including queries about finding family-Church-work balance and principles of happy marriages.“In our theology and in our practice, the family and the Church have a mutually reinforcing relationship,” he said. “The family is dependent upon the Church for activities and for doctrine and ordinances governed by priesthood keys. The Church exists to provide those unique resources that will perpetuate family relationships in the eternities. The priesthood presides in each.”President Oaks acknowledged that some Latter-Saint couples face conflicts over important values and priorities. Matters of Church history and doctrinal issues have led some spouses to inactivity. Some spouses wonder how to best go about researching and responding to such issues.President Oaks’s wife, Sister Kristen Oaks, also shared a few brief remarks and her testimony. She counseled the young married couples to strive to maintain a positive attitude and to support one another. Seek opportunities to worship together and make the home a classroom of gospel learning, she said. President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency participates in a panel discussion during a devotional for young married couples in downtown Chicago on February 2, 2019. Photo by Marlene Clayton.“Super family activities may be good for children, but they are not always better than one-on-one time with a loving parent.”“But the best answer to any question that threatens faith is to work to increase faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,” he said. “Conversion to the Lord precedes conversion to the Church. And conversion to the Lord comes through prayer and study and service, furthered by loving patience on the part of spouse and other concerned family members.”Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/wilford-w-andersen?lang=eng">Wilford W. Andersen</a>, a General Authority Seventy, and his wife, Sister Kathleen Andersen, along with Elder K. David Scott, an Area Seventy, and his wife, Sister Auralee Scott, joined President and Sister Oaks in a panel discussion.Elder Andersen noted that Chicago is “a special place” for President Oaks, where he studied, taught, and practiced law for over 16 years.Many young married couples face seemingly insurmountable obstacles, said President Oaks in his remarks. They are raising children in environments often hostile to the mission and teachings of the Church. Respected institutions and leaders question the existence of right and wrong, along with time-honored standards for civilized behavior and standards.President Oaks said the leaders of the Church are mindful of young married couples with children. They pray for them and are alert to their circumstances when considering Church issues.<b>— Joseph Tateoka contributed to this report.</b></p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-oaks-counsels-young-couples-defending-the-gospel-on-the-frontline-?lang=eng#695265570Tue, 5 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Souls Can Be Rebuilt and Improved through Christ, BYU Exhibition Demonstrates
https://www.lds.org/church/news/souls-can-be-rebuilt-and-improved-through-christ-byu-exhibition-demonstrates?lang=eng
<p><em>Constructing a Soul</em> will be on display through the summer of 2022. Admission is free.As Paul taught: “Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you?” (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-cor/6.19?lang=eng#18" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 6:19</a>). A visitor to the Education in Zion Gallery at Brigham Young University takes in the <em>Constructing a Soul</em> exhibition that will be on display until the summer of 2022. Photo courtesy of Education in Zion Gallery, BYU.Just as the ruins of an incinerated Utah County tabernacle were once rebuilt into a sacred temple, “we can do similar things in our own lives as we rely upon the Savior,” said Farnsworth.Guest curators Clifton Farnsworth and Paul Richards are quick to note they are neophytes in pulling together museum exhibitions. Both are engineering professors at the Church-owned school.PROVO, UTAHBYU faculty members are challenged to integrate their academic teaching with the gospel. So he reached out to Education in Zion curator Heather Seferovich. The two agreed a building-themed exhibit was a good fit for the campus. A short time later, Richards was brought into the project.But then the miracle occurred.A new exhibition at Brigham Young University entitled <em>Constructing a Soul</em> celebrates the miracle of divine rebuilding promised to all who invite the Savior into their lives.Working under the direction of inspired leaders, contractors, builders, and designers took the charred remains of a decimated building and transformed it into something more beautiful and essential than ever before—the <a href="https://www.lds.org/temples/details/provo-city-center-temple?lang=eng">Provo City Center Temple</a>.Located in the <a href="https://educationinzion.byu.edu/">Education in Zion Gallery</a> in the Joseph F. Smith Building, the exhibition explores four key principles elemental to engineers and building contractors: pre-building, building, improving, and rebuilding.And so it is in our own lives. Through the grace of a Master Builder, even the most damaged bodies and souls can be purified and rebuilt into something precious and new. Construction work on the old Provo Tabernacle February 22, 2013, as crews converted it into a Latter-day Saint temple. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.“I have always tried to look for parallels between the gospel and my occupation,” said Richards. “I’ve found many connections between engineering and building and our own personal development as sons and daughters of God.”Still, Farnsworth recognized the potential for a construction-themed religious exhibition several years ago after visiting the <em>Bodies Filled with Light</em> exhibition on display at the time in the Education in Zion Gallery. He was inspired by the many references to the human body found in scripture.Both engineers/curators were especially drawn to the exhibition elements that explore the Christ-driven act of rebuilding.Curating museum exhibits “is well outside my wheelhouse, as far as scholarly ventures go,” said Farnsworth, laughing.By utilizing scriptures and the words of latter-day leaders, the colorful, kid-friendly display taps parallels between the building and improving of a physical structure and the eternal, divine work of building and improving a soul.“A light bulb clicked that there are also many [gospel] references to construction and building,” he said.Fire gutted the historic Provo Tabernacle in the final month of 2010, leaving many to wonder if the iconic structure would forever remain history’s claim. Provo City Center Temple, photographed on March 20, 2016. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News. Comparisons between building and rebuilding a building and a soul are explored in the <em>Constructing a Soul</em> exhibition at Brigham Young University. Photo courtesy of Education in Zion Gallery, BYU.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/souls-can-be-rebuilt-and-improved-through-christ-byu-exhibition-demonstrates?lang=eng#965153433Mon, 4 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Looking Back: How a Blind Wood Carver Showed Me Courage in Adversity
https://www.lds.org/church/news/looking-back-how-a-blind-wood-carver-showed-me-courage-in-adversity?lang=eng
<p>“I cried and prayed. … I walked around in my workshop and started to sing, thinking it would give me courage and cheer me up. I sang ‘<a href="https://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/i-need-thee-every-hour?lang=eng">I Need Thee Every Hour</a>.’ I prayed and sang out loud to my Heavenly Father, asking for help. I started to sing ‘<a href="https://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/lead-kindly-light?lang=eng">Lead, Kindly Light</a>.’ I guess I sang and prayed for about an hour.”One of the earliest stories I wrote for the <em>Church News</em> remains one of the most vivid in my memory. It was about a blind wood carver who gave me a glimpse of courage in adversity and hope during trials. I wrote about him for the January 30, 1972, issue of the paper.“I remember one day I was sitting on the table in my workshop where I had been carving an elk,” he said. “When I started to work on the head it seemed like it was impossible. I was very discouraged. I never started working without prayer, so I prayed. I tried to carve the eyes, but it was impossible.Fritz E. Bollbach was born in East Prussia in 1910. He was baptized a member of the Church in 1921. He was sent to a Nazi labor camp before World War II began. After his release, he married Elli Gertrude Worch in 1935. During the war, he repaired weapons and machinery for the German army; he was captured by British forces and sent to a prisoner of war camp in 1945. In the fall of 1946, he was released to West Germany and reunited with his family.“I finally decided to try to carve again. This time, I carved the eyes within a couple of minutes. I had the feeling that I could see what I did. When I was through carving the eyes, I touched the elk over and over. I was so happy. I cried again. This time, it was for joy and thanksgiving.”“I went back to the carving table and took the knife, but I still couldn’t carve the eyes. I couldn’t make the knife go in the right direction. I put the elk and knife on the table and started to cry again. I walked around and cried and prayed some more.No one would loan him the money he needed to finish the nursing home. In desperation, he enrolled at the Utah Blind Center for training. After he completed the course work there, the government gave him a loan to finish the building, which he turned into apartments with a workshop in the back.He worked with others to build homes for refugees from East Germany. He served as president of the branch in Langen from 1954 to 1956. The Bollbachs’ 13-year-old daughter, Sigrid, was killed in an accident during that time. He and his wife and their two other daughters, Ursula and Hannelore, immigrated to the United States in 1956; they became U.S. citizens in 1993.“The Lord blessed us so much we paid for the property within three years.”
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/31/350-blind-wood-carver-showed-courage-in-adversity_1.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Fritz E. Bollbach gave former <em>Church News</em> editor Gerry Avant a glimpse of courage in adversity and hope during trials. Illustration by Aaron Thorup, Deseret News.</p>
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After the Bollbachs returned home, he resumed working on his goal to help other people. However, things didn’t always go smoothly for him.In August 1969, the Bollbachs were called to the Central German Mission, where he served briefly as president of branches in Gelsenkirchen and Aachen. After he had a heart attack, he received a blessing from the mission president, Walther H. Kindt, and Elder Hartman Rector Jr. and was able to continue in his assignments.After he lost sight in his right eye in 1957, he had a hard time finding work. “In three years I worked on more than 25 jobs,” he said. “Each morning when my wife left home for work at 5 a.m., I would kneel and pray. I often cried to my Heavenly Father. I never gave up on prayer, although I did not seem to get an answer.”“I decided I wanted to help other blind and handicapped people, so I became a tutor,” he said.He said he had a certain wonderful, happy feeling after he prayed on Thanksgiving Day in 1960. “I could hardly wait for my wife to come home,” he said. When she did, he asked her to look in the newspaper ads for a piece of ground for sale. “She told me we were not able to pay the gas bill, let alone pay for a piece of ground. I told her nothing is impossible when we believe.” The owner of the land they found asked how much Bollbach could pay down. “I told him, ‘Nothing.’ I did not have any money.” An arrangement was made for Bollbach to pay over time.With limited vision, he started building a nursing home. After he finished the framework, he suddenly became totally blind when he struck his left temple on a sharp edge while stooping over to pick up a piece of wood. Nerve damage caused total blindness in his “good eye.”“The Lord blessed us with health and strength, and He opened my mind,” Bollbach said. “I was able to remember so many scriptures. I wished I had learned more before I went blind.”</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/looking-back-how-a-blind-wood-carver-showed-me-courage-in-adversity?lang=eng#887704793Mon, 4 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Groundbreaking Dates Announced for Guam and Pocatello Temples
https://www.lds.org/church/news/groundbreaking-dates-announced-for-guam-and-pocatello-temples?lang=eng
<p>The temple will be located east of Satterfield Drive and Butte Street in Pocatello in a new subdivision known as Crestview Estates.
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<strong>Yigo Guam Temple</strong>This will be the first temple in Guam, an unincorporated and organized territory of the United States in Micronesia in the western Pacific Ocean. The temple was first announced October 7, 2018, by Church President Russell M. Nelson.The Pocatello Idaho Temple was announced by President Thomas S. Monson during the April 2017 general conference.Guam is home to about 2,500 Church members and one mission.Groundbreaking services for the Yigo Guam Temple will be Saturday, May 4, 2019. Elder Yoon Hwan Choi, Asia North Area President, will preside.The Church’s sixth temple in Idaho will serve some of the more than 450,000 members in 1,129 congregations who live in Idaho. Other temples are located in Boise, Rexburg, Twin Falls, Idaho Falls, and Meridian.The temple will be located at the corner of Marine Corps Drive and Melalak Drive in the village of Yigo on the north end of Guam.Groundbreaking services for the Pocatello Idaho Temple will be Saturday, March 16, with Elder Wilford W. Andersen, Idaho/North America Central Area President, presiding.Attendance at the temple site is by invitation only, but it is anticipated that the services will be transmitted via internet to stake centers within the proposed temple district. Rendering of the Yigo Guam Temple.Construction on the temple with an adjacent meetinghouse is expected to begin in 2019 and is anticipated to take about two years to complete.Attendance at the site is by invitation only, but it is anticipated that the services will be transmitted via internet to stake centers within the proposed temple district.<strong>Pocatello Idaho Temple</strong>The First Presidency has announced groundbreaking services for the Yigo Guam Temple and the Pocatello Idaho Temple. Rendering of the Pocatello Idaho Temple.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/groundbreaking-dates-announced-for-guam-and-pocatello-temples?lang=eng#2990690814Fri, 1 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Latter-Day Saint Widow Has Donated 1,000 Handmade Coats to Humanitarian Center
https://www.lds.org/church/news/latter-day-saint-widow-has-donated-1000-handmade-coats-to-humanitarian-center?lang=eng
<p>“We are involved with six counties [and] all denominations,” Cowley said. “[The humanitarian center] is open to all. Everyone is invited to participate.”“Nobody’s got a record like she has,” Cowley said. “She doesn’t hear very well. We’re getting up there in years, but she’s still there every single week, always doing what needs to be done. … She makes the coats in her own home, not just at the humanitarian center. … She’s an extra-miler in every respect.”“[I] invite them [all],” Luke said. “[People] just have to [come] be a part of it.”The day Cowley is referring to is the Richfield Humanitarian Center’s annual Christmas Closet, where leaders of local clergy come pick up coats, blankets, quilts, toys, and other items for those in need.“Everyone has been so generous to send me a little scrap here and there,” Luke said. “I enjoy the good feeling … of producing stuff that other people need.”Luke found a home for her one-of-a-kind coats at the Richfield Humanitarian Center.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/02/01/350-shes-an-extra-miler-in-every-respect-how-1-utah-woman-made-1_3.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
<figcaption>
<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Betty Luke sews one of her handmade winter coats. Photo courtesy of Courtney Anderson.</p>
</figcaption>
Betty Luke has lived in Venice all her life—not quite Italy, but a quaint farming town just a few miles outside Richfield, Utah. In her mountain home, Luke has spent her 80-plus years perfecting a craft that has led her nimble fingers to many invaluable opportunities.Though Cowley has done her fair share of humanitarian work, she didn’t hesitate to join the choir to sing Luke’s praises.But perhaps Luke’s greatest venture yet came when she closed up shop after 40 years of business and was left with piles of excess material. It was these “little scraps,” Luke explained, that inspired her to start weaving bits of fabric into beautiful winter coats—coats that appear to be professionally crafted.Since that day over six years ago, Luke has donated 1,000 handmade coats “all made out of scraps.”“[When] I took [the coats] over to the humanitarian center, they said, ‘Oh, bring them right in. We’ll take care of them,’ so I kept on sewing.”Luke’s coats are on full display during these community events. In fact, one little boy loved his coat so much that no one could get him to take it off. “He’d never had such a nice coat,” Cowley explained.“We’ve been inviting our neighbors and friends, anyone that seems interested,” Cowley said. “There will be a day where all of the bishops and clergy will come and take all the things that they need and want, [so] it directly impacts the community.”But Luke’s work isn’t just limited to making coats—she and her best friend, Margaret Cowley, along with other elderly widows in their Richfield ward, make four to five quilts a week at the humanitarian center.Despite the appreciation felt in the community for Luke’s expert craftsmanship, she’s far more interested in getting more people involved with volunteering.“I like to sew. I’ve sewed all my life,” Luke said in an interview with the <em>Church News</em>. “I have operated power machines, been manager of a sewing plant, … and had a small business [where I owned] an upholstery shop.”</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/latter-day-saint-widow-has-donated-1000-handmade-coats-to-humanitarian-center?lang=eng#3053140231Fri, 1 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Need Family Names for the Temple? Use FamilySearch’s “Ordinances Ready” Feature
https://www.lds.org/church/news/need-family-names-for-the-temple-use-familysearchs-ordinances-ready-feature?lang=eng
<p>Sarah shared, “Being able to use the FamilySearch app has made it so much easier to feel the Spirit closer to me at all times. … It has helped me to feel closer to those who have passed and feel the love of my Father even stronger beside me.”Using the <a href="https://www.familysearch.org/campaign/mobile/tree?cid=bl-fsulds-8011">Family Tree app</a>, you can get to know each person you are about to do ordinances for. Tap View Relationship to see how you are related, and tap View Person to look at life events, memories, and photos in <a href="https://www.familysearch.org/tree/pedigree/landscape?cid=bl-fsulds-8012">Family Tree</a>.<strong>Get to know each person, and take the names to the temple</strong><em>Note on family names: If no available ordinances are found for family members, Ordinances Ready will retrieve available ordinances that have been submitted to the temple by any patron. These ordinances from temple inventory will be provided in the same order they were submitted to the temple. You can perform ordinances that have been submitted to the temple by others, whether or not you are directly related to those individuals.</em><strong>How others are using Ordinances Ready</strong><strong>Feeling the spirit at all times: Sarah’s story</strong>“Ordinance[s] Ready has made it more rewarding to go to the temple because I am always able to have my own names to work on. … I have truly felt the Spirit so much stronger as I’ve taken my own family names to the temple,” says Sarah Rocha. One of the popular features on the FamilySearch Tree mobile app is called Ordinances Ready. It allows members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to use their device to choose available ordinances when going to the temple.<strong>Green means go—use Ordinances Ready for your next temple visit</strong>After you have looked at the names, tap Continue at the bottom of the screen to reserve the ordinances and print cards to take to the temple. (If you need help printing cards, the app will also give you a number you can take to the temple, where the cards can be printed for you.)Recently, Sarah and her roommates at BYU–Idaho decided to start their semester by attending the temple together. Sarah showed her friends how to use the new Ordinances Ready feature on the Family Tree app, and each of them were able to find names of family members needing ordinances. Kirsten’s other teenage sons attend the temple almost every week, and they use this new feature to find and print temple names regularly using their own FamilySearch accounts. When Kirsten taught the youth in her ward how to use the feature as well, many ward members discussed how life-changing Ordinances Ready can be for the youth. As Kirsten summarized, “For the kids, this ease will be normal to them. Ancestors will always be on the forefront of their minds, and temple attendance will forever be more personal for all.”Garrett and his family use the Ordinances Ready feature often now and feel it has elevated the temple experience for them individually and as a family. “Ordinances Ready has been such a blessing for our family,” they say, “and it is bringing promised blessings and spiritual power [as we perform] temple work for ancestors.”<a href="https://www.familysearch.org/blog/en/temple-ordinances-familysearch/?cid=bl-fsulds-8009">Ordinances Ready</a> is a new <a href="https://www.familysearch.org/?cid=bl-fsulds-8010">FamilySearch</a> tool that simplifies finding names for the temple, allowing you more time to serve your family and enjoy the blessings of the temple. Try it for yourself and read how others are using the Ordinances Ready feature.<strong>Each person can take family names: Garrett’s story</strong><li>Download the <a href="https://www.familysearch.org/campaign/mobile/tree?cid=bl-fsulds-8011">Family Tree app</a> for <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/familysearch-tree-viewer/id885982973?ls=1&amp;mt=8">iOS</a> or <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.familysearch.mobile">Android</a>. Click <a href="https://www.familysearch.org/blog/en/mobile/#access">here</a> for more help.</li><li>Sign in and find the Temple page.
<ul><li>For iOS, tap the temple icon at the bottom of the app screen.</li><li>For Android, tap the 3-bar menu at the top left. Then select Temple.</li></ul>
</li><li>Tap the Ordinances Ready button and then choose an ordinance—baptism and confirmation, initiatory, endowment, sealing to parents, or sealing to spouse.</li><li>The app will search the tree and temple inventory for available ordinances, and soon you will have five names pop up!</li>Kirsten’s son Bennett just turned 12 and has loved the new Ordinances Ready feature after using it on one of his very first temple trips. Kirsten says, “It’s amazing to me that children who are going to the temple for the first time can take names as a norm in their temple attendance.”<strong>Ordinances Ready is becoming “the norm”: Kirsten’s story</strong>The new Ordinances Ready feature has already inspired many members, bringing them closer to their family and helping them participate in temple work. Here are Sarah, Garrett, and Kirsten’s stories.Before using Ordinances Ready, Garrett had never really done family history or temple work for his own ancestors. However, he did enjoy helping Amy, his wife, do temple work for her deceased family members. Several weeks ago, Garrett and his wife tried the new Ordinances Ready feature and found five of Garrett’s family members who needed temple work, including the cousin of his beloved grandfather. He felt that an instant bond was formed.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/need-family-names-for-the-temple-use-familysearchs-ordinances-ready-feature?lang=eng#1732890818Fri, 1 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Like His Scars and Shrapnel, Lessons of “Pure Love” Remain for Brussels Bombing Survivor Dres Empey
https://www.lds.org/church/news/like-his-scars-and-shrapnel-lessons-of-pure-love-remain-for-brussels-bombing-survivor-dres-empey?lang=eng
<p>That unified love and support was key “in turning all of this into an extremely positive experience,” he added. Two weeks later, Empey returned to his Utah home.“My cousin was working at a hair salon and set me up on a blind date with a coworker.” He admits, laughing, that he will forever be in his cousin’s debt.Empey knows he will forever be remembered for the Brussels bombing. And that’s OK. He’s grateful to both loved ones and strangers who helped him and his family during their crisis.Almost three years have passed since the March 22, 2016, Brussels Airport suicide bombings. Elder Empey, Elder Wells, and senior missionary Elder Richard Norby were dropping off Sister Fanny Clain, who was traveling to the Provo MTC. They would be numbered among the hundreds of casualties in a series of terrorist attacks across the country. As the third anniversary of the Brussels bombing approaches, Dres Empey, who was injured in the attack, enjoys life and spending time with his family and friends. Photo by Jason Swensen.They’re all busy. <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/missionary-injured-in-terrorist-bombing-attends-us-naval-academy-continues-to-share-the-gospel?lang=eng">Mason Wells is a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy</a>. Fanny Clain completed her mission to Ohio, returned home to France, and is now married.He has a bit of numbness in one foot. “But it’s not painful, just sometimes annoying.”His recovery from burn and shrapnel injuries is almost complete. Elder Mason Wells, left, and Elder Joseph Dresden Empey had been serving together as companions for five weeks in Brussels, a part of the France Paris Mission, before they were injured in a terrorist attack at the Brussels Airport on Tuesday, March 22, 2016. Photo courtesy of the Empey family.Latter-day Saints and many others were soon praying and posting social media well-wishes for the four injured missionaries, who were all being treated in Belgian hospitals.“I actually wish that I thought more frequently about the bombing,” he said. “Whenever I think back to it, it makes me want to be more like that lady helping others.”In a horrific moment precipitated by evil, a bloodied and dazed Elder Dres Empey witnessed, in his words, “pure love.”“But we will always have a connection,” he said.“I was so blessed because there were people around the world praying for us—people from all religious beliefs and backgrounds,” he said.For Empey, the multifaceted pain from the 2016 Brussels terrorist bombing has largely faded. But like the scars and shrapnel, its lessons remain.“We need to always remember that people are going through things that are way more difficult than what I experienced,” he said. “We need to extend our love and support to them any way we can.” Mason Wells and Joseph Dresden Empey recover from injuries they suffered in the March 22, 2016, Brussels Airport terrorist attack at the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City. Photo courtesy of Charlie Ehlert, University of Utah Health Care.A terrorist’s bomb had detonated in the check-in area of the Brussels Airport seconds earlier, killing more than a dozen people and injuring many more—including Elder Empey and three fellow missionaries. Despite being seriously injured in the 2016 Brussels Airport terrorist bombing, Dres Empey (shown with his wife, Elle) has returned to an athletic life. Photo courtesy of Dres Empey.As part of his recovery process, Empey took up rock climbing and enjoys scaling the red rocks near his southern Utah home.Last year he began working for a hospitality management company that takes him to vacation spots around the state. He’s also a married man, thanks to a matchmaking relative.The next several weeks forged almost endless memories for the young man from Santa Clara, Utah. Some are tragic and dark; others, bright and uplifting. But of all his bomb-related evocations, Empey chooses first to remember the unknown Muslim woman coming to the aid of his companion and friend.“I’m feeling great physically, mentally, and emotionally,” he told the <em>Church News</em>. “I still have scars, and I still have shrapnel under my skin. I can push on it and feel the metal.”“When I first walked out of the airport doors there was a Muslim lady helping my companion, <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/missionary-injured-in-terrorist-bombing-attends-us-naval-academy-continues-to-share-the-gospel?lang=eng">Elder [Mason] Wells</a>,” he said. “While everyone else was running away, she decided to stick around and help people.”He and that one-time blind date, Elle Roberts, married in November of 2017.Last October he spent a few minutes catching up with Richard Norby at a mission reunion. He wishes he could speak more frequently with the other missionaries injured at the airport.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/like-his-scars-and-shrapnel-lessons-of-pure-love-remain-for-brussels-bombing-survivor-dres-empey?lang=eng#624746836Fri, 1 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Free Family History Library Classes and Webinars for February 2019
https://www.lds.org/church/news/free-family-history-library-classes-and-webinars-for-february-2019?lang=eng
<p>If you are unable to attend a class in person or online, most sessions are recorded and can be viewed later online at your convenience at <a href="http://bit.ly/2mBC2eX">Family History Library classes and webinars</a>. Online classes are noted on the schedule as webinars. Webinar attendees need to click the link next to the class title at the scheduled date and time to attend the class online. Those attending in person simply go to the room noted. Invite your family and friends.
<tbody><tr><td>
<p align="center"><strong>DATE/TIME</strong></p>
</td><td>
<p align="center"><strong>CLASS</strong></p>
</td><td>
<p align="center"><strong>WEBINAR | ROOM</strong></p>
</td></tr><tr><td>
<p align="center">Saturday, <br/>
February 2,<br/>
1:00 p.m.</p>
</td><td>
<p align="center">Navegando, agregando, editando, y estandarizando lugares y fechas </p>
</td><td>
<p align="center"><a href="http://ldschurch1.adobeconnect.com/fhl-esp">Webinar</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2kclFHt">Main Lab</a></p>
</td></tr><tr><td>
<p align="center">Tuesday,<br/>
February 5,<br/>
10:00 a.m.</p>
</td><td>
<p align="center">Attaching Sources to Family Tree </p>
</td><td>
<p align="center"><a href="http://ldschurch1.adobeconnect.com/fhlwebinars">Webinar</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2kclFHt">Main Lab</a></p>
</td></tr><tr><td>
<p align="center">Tuesday,<br/>
February 12,<br/>
10:00 a.m.</p>
</td><td>
<p align="center">Adding Memories to Family Tree </p>
</td><td>
<p align="center"><a href="http://ldschurch1.adobeconnect.com/fhlwebinars">Webinar</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2kclFHt">Main Lab</a></p>
</td></tr><tr><td>
<p align="center">Saturday,<br/>
February 16<br/>
1:00 p.m.</p>
</td><td>
<p align="center">Buscando a lo máximo en FamilySearch </p>
</td><td>
<p align="center"><a href="http://ldschurch1.adobeconnect.com/fhl-esp">Webinar</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2kclFHt">Main Lab</a></p>
</td></tr><tr><td>
<p align="center">Tuesday,<br/>
February 19,<br/>
10:00 a.m.</p>
</td><td>
<p align="center">Merging and Correcting Relationships on Family Tree </p>
</td><td>
<p align="center"><a href="http://ldschurch1.adobeconnect.com/fhlwebinars">Webinar</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2kclFHt">Main Lab</a></p>
</td></tr><tr><td>
<p align="center">Tuesday,<br/>
February 26,<br/>
10:00 a.m.</p>
</td><td>
<p align="center">Submitting Names for Temple Ordinances on Family Tree </p>
</td><td>
<p align="center"><a href="http://ldschurch1.adobeconnect.com/fhlwebinars">Webinar</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2kclFHt">Main Lab</a></p>
</td></tr></tbody>
The FamilySearch Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, has announced its free classes and webinars for February 2019. <a href="https://www.lds.org/thttp%3A//bit.ly/2nWHIA1?lang=eng">FamilySearch.org and Family Tree Classes</a> will be offered every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. mountain daylight time (MDT) throughout the month of February.Classes focus on beginning skills using the free <a href="https://www.lds.org/pages/mobileapps?lang=eng">FamilySearch Family Tree</a>, such as attaching sources, adding memories, and learning how to merge duplicate information correctly. Some classes are offered in Spanish. Participants may attend in person or online. See the calendar below for the complete list of classes. No registration is required.All classes are in mountain daylight time (MDT).</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/free-family-history-library-classes-and-webinars-for-february-2019?lang=eng#4038864107Thu, 31 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
LDS.org Quick Tip: Finding Church Worldwide Statistics
https://www.lds.org/church/news/ldsorg-quick-tip-finding-church-worldwide-statistics?lang=eng
<p><li>Church membership<strong>,</strong> number of congregations, and number of languages published by the Church</li><li>Missionaries, missions, and training centers</li><li>Temples</li><li>Humanitarian services</li><li>Education, universities and colleges, and seminary and institute students</li><li>Genealogy, family history centers, and countries</li>Have you ever wondered how many members live in a certain country or area of the world? Or perhaps you want to learn how the Church is growing where you served your mission.The report contains worldwide statistics about:Explore the graphical report in the <a href="https://lds365.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=88f7b094f0719dd1bdc73593b&amp;id=1898575d82&amp;e=822dd86806" target="_blank">Facts and Statistics</a> section of the Church’s <a href="https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/">Newsroom website</a>.The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has issued a <a href="https://lds365.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=88f7b094f0719dd1bdc73593b&amp;id=f1971a0254&amp;e=822dd86806" target="_blank">report about the growth and status of the Church</a>.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/ldsorg-quick-tip-finding-church-worldwide-statistics?lang=eng#839853441Thu, 31 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
New Features in the 2019 Friend Support Come, Follow Me Curriculum
https://www.lds.org/church/news/new-features-in-the-2019-friend-support-come-follow-me-curriculum?lang=eng
<p><strong>4.</strong> <a href="https://www.lds.org/study/friend/2019/01/learn-about-jesus?lang=eng"><strong>Help the <em>Friend</em> grow a kindness garden!</strong></a> The new Apostles around the World page features the ministry of each Apostle.<strong>3.</strong> <a href="https://www.lds.org/study/friend/2019/01/table-of-contents?lang=eng"><strong>New icon for <em>Come, Follow Me</em> support</strong></a>The following additions in the <em>Friend</em> will give parents and Primary teachers resources for home-centered, Church-supported learning. For children worldwide, these features will also be included in the new <em>Friend</em> section of the <em>Liahona.</em> (<a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/liahona-magazine-to-publish-freestanding-childrens-section-in-2019?lang=eng">See related story</a>.)“The new home-centered, Church-supported integrated curriculum has the potential to unleash the power of families,” said President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/russell-m-nelson?lang=eng">Russell M. Nelson</a>. “I promise that as you diligently work to remodel your home into a center of gospel learning, over time <em>… your</em> children will be excited to learn and to live the Savior’s teachings, and the influence of the adversary in <em>your</em> life and in <em>your</em> home will decrease” (“<a href="https://www.lds.org/study/general-conference/2018/10/becoming-exemplary-latter-day-saints?lang=eng">Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints</a>,” Oct. 2018 general conference). This year the <em>Friend</em> is adding new features to help parents and Primary teachers use <a href="https://www.lds.org/manual/come-follow-me/individuals-and-families?lang=eng"><em>Come, Follow Me</em></a> lessons with children at home and in the classroom. Children can track their family’s scripture reading each week by filling in the color-by-number scripture chart in the <a href="https://www.lds.org/study/friend/2019/01/cover?lang=eng">January issue</a>. Each week of 2019 is assigned a different New Testament scripture corresponding with the <em>Come, Follow Me</em> curriculum, giving children and families a fun, visual way to track their progress over the months. For more <em>Come, Follow Me</em> ideas, visit <a href="https://www.lds.org/children/resources?lang=eng">lessonhelps.lds.org</a>. You can also subscribe to the <em>Friend</em> <a href="https://store.lds.org/CategoryDisplay?urlRequestType=Ajax&amp;catalogId=3074457345616676768&amp;categoryId=3074457345616678844&amp;pageView=grid&amp;urlLangId=-1&amp;beginIndex=0&amp;langId=-1&amp;top_category=3074457345616678843&amp;storeId=10151">here</a> or submit your feedback on the new features by emailing <a href="mailto:friend@ldschurch.org">friend@ldschurch.org</a>. This year children are invited to send in garden-themed cutouts telling how they’ve shown or experienced kindness. Each issue of the <em>Friend</em> will include an illustrated scripture story from the month’s <em>Come, Follow Me</em> passages.<strong>5.</strong> <a href="https://www.lds.org/study/friend/2019/01/president-ballard-visits-texas-usa?lang=eng"><strong>“Apostles around the World” articles</strong></a> Each issue will feature a new country for children to learn about.To help children worldwide follow the Savior’s example of kindness, the <em>Friend</em> is inviting them to send in paper flowers, bugs, and other garden creatures, along with a short description of a kind deed that they’ve done or that someone has done for them. Each month the <em>Friend</em> will show how the kindness garden is growing. More instructions on how to send in a submission can be found <a href="https://www.lds.org/study/friend/2019/01/stop-and-flip?lang=eng">here</a>.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/28/350-icon-1.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
<figcaption>
<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> A diamond-shaped icon denotes each <em>Friend</em> article or activity that is correlated with the <em>Come, Follow Me</em> program.</p>
</figcaption>
Each issue of the <em>Friend</em> will include a beautifully illustrated scripture story from the month’s <em>Come, Follow Me</em> passages, told in language simple enough for young children to understand. A related <a href="https://www.lds.org/study/friend/2019/01/coloring-page?lang=eng">coloring page</a> will help children remember the stories they’re learning about at home and in the classroom.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/28/350-living-christ.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
<figcaption>
<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Children will learn each month about a new section of “The Living Christ.”</p>
</figcaption>
Each issue will feature a new article showing members of the Quorum of the Twelve ministering around the world. The articles will appear in order of seniority, starting with President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/m-russell-ballard?lang=eng">M. Russell Ballard</a>. <strong>1.</strong> <a href="https://www.lds.org/study/friend/2019/01/i-can-read-the-new-testament?lang=eng"><strong><em>Come, Follow Me</em> color-by-number scripture reading chart</strong></a>Look for the diamond-shaped icons to find stories and activities that support the <em>Come, Follow Me</em> lessons for families and Primary. For example, the <a href="https://www.lds.org/study/friend/2019/01/family-night-fun?lang=eng">Family Night Fun</a> page includes home evening ideas to support the new curriculum. <strong>7.</strong> <a href="https://www.lds.org/study/friend/2019/01/hello-from-the-philippines?lang=eng"><strong>Travel the world with the <em>Friend</em></strong></a><strong>6.</strong> <a href="https://www.lds.org/study/friend/2019/01/the-living-christ?lang=eng"><strong>Learn about “The Living Christ”</strong></a>Each month the <em>Friend</em> will help children accept President Nelson’s invitation to study “<a href="https://www.lds.org/study/ensign/2000/04/the-living-christ-the-testimony-of-the-apostles-the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints?lang=eng">The Living Christ</a>.” A monthly activity page will encourage them to memorize a short portion of “The Living Christ.” Then they can do a related activity and color and cut out a key word to remind them what they learned. Children will learn that they belong to a worldwide family of Saints as they learn about a different country each month. The new feature includes testimonies from Primary children in that country, information about the Church there, and other fun cultural facts. Readers can then turn the page to find a true story about a child from that country.<strong>2.</strong> <a href="https://www.lds.org/study/friend/2019/01/jesus-learned-and-grew?lang=eng"><strong>Illustrated <em>Come, Follow Me</em> scripture stories</strong></a></p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/new-features-in-the-2019-friend-support-come-follow-me-curriculum?lang=eng#911740782Thu, 31 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Families Studying Come, Follow Me Experiencing a “Fundamental Shift” in the Gospel Experience
https://www.lds.org/church/news/families-studying-come-follow-me-experiencing-a-fundamental-shift-in-the-gospel-experience?lang=eng
<p>“It fundamentally shifts the gospel experience back onto us and gives us the tools and the time to do what the Lord would have us do,” he said. “It even facilitates time and gives a reason for us as a couple to sit down and seek revelation together. … Every time we do that, our revelatory capacity and experiences increase, our testimonies become stronger, our marriage becomes stronger. … Home truly becomes heaven on earth.”As the Sunday School president in the Orem Utah Vineyard Stake, Mattson Newell has spoken with many families about the new curriculum in addition to family he has in Sweden and in England. <strong>Making the Sabbath more holy</strong> Jenny Friesen listens as her son Luke Friesen reads at home in Langley, British Columbia, on Sunday, September 16, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.Putting that home-centered curriculum into practice since the beginning of the new year has been empowering for their family, Brent Daire explained.After turning the light on and off a few times, Brent Daire and his wife, Maika Daire, explained to their young sons that darkness cannot exist in the light.“We all agree that we have never seen so many people come prepared having read the material before. It is amazing!” said Newell, who also has three Primary-age children. “You see so many more people participating and discussing. In the Primary classes … children are sharing more comments and many are starting with, ‘My family talked about this,’ or ‘My family did that.’ It’s wonderful!”Ether, age 4, excitedly added, “Heavenly Father will send Jesus to help me!”The curriculum puts the focus onto the scriptures and the doctrine and gives each person a chance to engage with them on a personal level, and, as Gilbertson explained, it has “impressed upon my mind how we still have a lot to learn and how sometimes our teachers can be our children.”
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Families using the new home-centered, Church-supported curriculum are beginning to witness the power promised by President Russell M. Nelson when he announced it during the October 2018 general conference. Graphic by Aaron Thorup, Deseret News.</p>
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Her daughters, ages 14 and 7, ask a lot of questions during their weekly <em>Come, Follow Me</em> family study time.Beevers, along with her husband, Joel Beevers, and their three children—Katie, 4; Timothy, 3; and Nathaniel, 1—all participate in gospel study and family time centered around the new curriculum.“I had been so focused on getting through a lot of pages every day, but the <em>Come, Follow Me</em> program only covers one or two chapters a week. It’s been a real change to slow down and focus on what things I can get out of individual chapters and verses rather than getting larger stories in one sitting.” Zach, Luke, and Tyler Friesen debate who is the artist in the family at home in Langley, British Columbia, on Sunday, September 16, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.Before the start of the new year, which marked both the implementation of the new Sunday Church meeting schedule and the implementation of the new home-centered curriculum, Sundays were an exhausting day for the Daire family.“We have become more prepared and more focused on learning together. We now prepare for the Sabbath on a Saturday night by getting everything prepared for Sunday like our clothing, shoes, <em>Come, Follow Me</em> journal, pens, pencils, etc., our scriptures, and so forth … so in the morning we just need to have our breakfast and then start on our Sunday spiritual journey.”When the new curriculum was announced and detailed by President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/russell-m-nelson?lang=eng">Russell M. Nelson</a> in <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2018/10/becoming-exemplary-latter-day-saints?lang=eng">his closing address</a> during the October 2018 general conference, he said, “The new home-centered, Church-supported integrated curriculum has the potential to unleash the power of families, as each family follows through conscientiously and carefully to transform their home into a sanctuary of faith.”“We gave them a turn on the torch [flashlight] each. We then spoke about the scripture we had read previously in John, about Jesus Christ being the ‘light’ and ‘darkness’ being some of the bad or sad things,” Brent Daire explained. And when he asked his sons who is a light that can help them when they feel sad or bad, Enoch, age 2, proudly exclaimed, “Jesus!” Scott Friesen and his son Zach Friesen play guitar at home in Langley, British Columbia, on Sunday, September 16, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.Newell said he has also noticed that his children are retaining more of what they learn. “They are hearing it at home, from their parents and each other, and then they are hearing it from their teachers and peers at church. Their retention is increasing with what they are learning because of this repetition and focus, and they are becoming better versed in the gospel and, more importantly, it is strengthening their testimony.”For Jessica Beevers of the Nottingham England Stake and her family, the switch to the new curriculum was a big change from the way they previously studied the scriptures.“The boys now run to the couch when we say it’s scripture time,” Brent Daire said. “They are excited to give answers to questions. They are excited to say the prayer or pick someone to say prayer, and they are excited to watch a video or play a game.”In some wards, attendance and participation at Sunday meetings have also noticeably increased since the start of the new year.“We asked them where the darkness had gone,” Brent Daire recounted. “They said, ‘It’s gone!’”For Judy Gilbertson, a member of the Adelaide Australia Marion Stake, her two youngest daughters who are still living at home, and her husband, Glen Gilbertson, Sundays have become special each week as they have increased their focus on keeping the Sabbath day holy.Huddled together on the bottom bunk bed, covered with sheets to block out all the light, Ether and Enoch Daire giggled with glee when their dad, Brent Daire, suddenly flooded their dark makeshift fort with light by turning on a handheld flashlight.It was an exciting lesson, Brent Daire said, and after a few more laughs and a closing prayer, the little Tasmanian family, members of the Devonport Australia Stake, spilled out of their makeshift fort to continue on with their evening activities.“We had very little time for each other, and if we did we were just as likely to collapse into bed for one of those long Sunday naps,” Brent Daire said.<strong>A fundamental shift</strong>“We have more time in the morning together now to prepare and get ready. When we get to church, our load feels as if it’s been halved. When we get home … we have a family time.”Driving to and from church took 45 minutes each way, and with their callings and responsibilities at church and the three-hour meeting schedule, they were typically away from home at least six hours each Sunday.She explained how having the children act out the various scriptures has prompted them to point out elements of the stories that they as parents haven’t really noticed or thought about. The children also recall the stories really well, she said, and they enjoy telling the stories back to their parents throughout the week.And her personal study, in turn, helps contribute to their family study.Rather than struggling to get their boys to sit down for a few minutes while they attempt to read a few scripture passages, family study time has become something to look forward to for their family.And even though they’ve only had a few weeks to implement the new schedule and new curriculum, things are already different, Brent Daire explained.“One thing that will always be true of very young children is that deep doctrinal discussions are very rarely practical,” Beevers said. “I admit I wondered how we would put <em>Come, Follow Me</em> into practice for our children at the ages they are, because the focus has seemed to be on getting doctrinal discussions, and I just didn’t know how we would manage that. However, I’ve found that most of the chapters outlined have had a story that worked well to talk about with young children.”The lesson, which lasted only a few minutes to help keep the attention of the two young boys, is just one example of the creative ways the Daire family—and thousands of other Latter-day Saint families—have begun implementing the new <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/remarkable-blessings-in-home-centered-church-supported-curriculum-pilot-participants-say-?lang=eng"><em>Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families</em></a> curriculum in their home each week.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/families-studying-come-follow-me-experiencing-a-fundamental-shift-in-the-gospel-experience?lang=eng#3665222891Thu, 31 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Elder Stevenson Shares His Testimony of Joseph Smith and the “Miraculous Miracle” of the Book of Mormon
https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-stevenson-shares-his-testimony-of-joseph-smith-and-the-miraculous-miracle-of-the-book-of-mormon?lang=eng
<p>LOGAN, UTAHThe power of the Book of Mormon comes with each reader’s mighty change of heart, said Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/gary-e-stevenson?lang=eng">Gary E. Stevenson</a> of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on January 27.Offering the Joseph Smith Memorial Devotional address, Elder Stevenson reflected on his youth in Logan, Utah, and on the history of the annual event, now in its 75th year. Every Church President since David O. McKay has spoken at the devotional.Elder Stevenson closed by sharing his own testimony. “As has been done for 75 years on this campus I offer my witness of Joseph Smith.”Elder Stevenson also shared his witness of the “miraculous miracle”—as President Nelson fondly calls the Book of Mormon. Elder Stevenson said: “What we do know is what was done is an absolute miracle—even in today’s standard with modern tools of electronic dictionaries, word processing, machine learning in translation, the pace and subsequent work product are almost unthinkable.”“The Book of Mormon is filled with miracles for those who read it,” he said. “This is a book that brings faith, happiness, and joy.”Sister Stevenson spoke about following President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/russell-m-nelson?lang=eng">Russell M. Nelson</a>’s <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2018/10/sisters-participation-in-the-gathering-of-israel?lang=eng">direction</a> in the October 2018 general conference for the women of the Church to read the Book of Mormon by the end of the year. “We know our prophet will never ask us to do anything we are not able to do,” she said. Elder Gary E. Stevenson speaks with youth at the Joseph Smith Memorial Devotional, sponsored by the Logan, Utah, institute on January 27, 2019. Photo by Sarah Jane Weaver.Quoting the introduction of the Book of Mormon, Elder Stevenson called the book the “keystone of our religion.”Through the Book of Mormon, Sister Stevenson said she came to more fully understand the Savior’s love for all of God’s children.Quoting Hiram Page, one of the eight witnesses of the Book of Mormon's gold plates, Elder Stevenson continued: “To say that a man of Joseph’s ability, who at the time did not know how to pronounce the name Nephi, could write a book of six hundred pages, as correct as the Book of Mormon, without supernatural power, … it would be treating the God of heaven with contempt, to deny these testimonies.”With Oliver as the principal scribe, Joseph translated 491 pages (269,510 words) in an 85-day period.Joseph also applied to copyright the Book of Mormon, interviewed printers and selected E. B. Grandin, and negotiated financing for the printing of the book.He closed by sharing the testimony of his 5th great-grandfather, Edward Stevenson, who heard Joseph Smith preach the gospel in Pontiac, Michigan. The prophet spoke with such power “it was said every person in the room knew what he said was true,” Elder Stevenson said.Also during that period, the <a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/aaronic-priesthood?lang=eng">Aaronic Priesthood</a> and <a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/melchizedek-priesthood?lang=eng">Melchizedek Priesthood</a> were restored. Joseph received 13 revelations that are recorded in the <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament?lang=eng" target="_blank">Doctrine and Covenants</a>. In addition, Joseph and Emma moved from Harmony, Pennsylvania, to Fayette, New York.Sister Stevenson also offered her testimony that President Nelson is a “true and living prophet on the earth today.”Sharing his sure testimony of the <a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/restoration-of-the-gospel?lang=eng">Restoration of the Gospel</a> and the founding of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Stevenson spoke to the congregation about the day 190 years ago on April 7, 1829, when Joseph Smith continued the translation of the <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng" target="_blank">Book of Mormon</a>, with Oliver Cowdery now as his scribe, in Harmony, Pennsylvania.Elder Stevenson, a USU graduate, said he was grateful to be speaking in a location where he had “home court advantage.”“I am very grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and for the Book of Mormon, which gives us great peace and direction.”Holding up his cell phone, Elder Stevenson told the congregation they carry the Book of Mormon with them every day. “My invitation to you: find a little more screen time with the Book of Mormon.”Edward Stevenson would later write his testimony. “I can very well remember many of the words of the boy Prophet as they were uttered in simplicity, but with a power which was irresistible to all present. … With uplifted hand he said: ‘I am a witness that there is a God, for I saw Him in open day, while praying in a silent grove, in the spring of 1820.’”He asked the congregation, “What are you going to do to make the Book of Mormon the keystone of your testimony?”At the time Joseph was just 23 years old and Oliver just 22; those assisting them were also young—Emma Smith, 24, David Whitmer, 24, and E. B. Grandin, 23—“a small group of what we would call millennials today.”“It seems during this time the heavens were opened and there was a waterfall of revelation,” said Elder Stevenson.She expressed deep gratitude for Joseph Smith. “I know Joseph Smith was a true and living prophet,” she said.More than 9,000 Latter-day Saints gathered in the Spectrum building on the Utah State University campus for the devotional.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-stevenson-shares-his-testimony-of-joseph-smith-and-the-miraculous-miracle-of-the-book-of-mormon?lang=eng#3892352184Thu, 31 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Bishop Caussé and Elder Maynes Enjoy “Spiritual Feast” in Brazil
https://www.lds.org/church/news/bishop-causse-and-elder-maynes-enjoy-spiritual-feast-in-brazil?lang=eng
<p>Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/richard-j-maynes?lang=eng">Richard J. Mayne</a>s of the Seventy and Presiding Bishop <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/gerald-j-causse?lang=eng">Gérald Caussé</a> left a snow-covered Salt Lake City for an “exciting” and “busy” brief visit to sunny São Paulo, Brazil, January 19–21. From left: Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé, Elder W. Mark Bassett of the Brazil Area Presidency, Brazil Area President Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis, Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella of the Brazil Area Presidency, and Elder Richard J. Maynes of the Seventy visit the new Beehive Clothing and Distribution Center in the Embu district of Brazil on Monday, January 21, 2019. The new 65,000-square-foot facility will manufacture temple clothing and store and distribute essential gospel products. People attend the dedication of the new São Paulo Temple Visitors’ Center on January 20, 2019. Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé and Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella and Elder W. Mark Bassett of the Brazil Area Presidency visit the <em>Christus</em> at the new São Paulo Temple Visitors’ Center, which was dedicated January 20, 2019.Elder Maynes asked the youth to imagine for a moment that they were 80 years old and had experienced a wonderful and fulfilling life. “If a reporter from the <a href="https://www.lds.org/liahona?lang=eng"><em>Liahona</em></a> were to ask, ‘What are three decisions you made that led to having a wonderful life?’ what do you think those decisions were?” Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé speaks to youth and their leaders from the São Paulo West Regional Council gathered for a special youth devotional at the São Paulo Stake Center on January 19, 2019.“Brazil is always a spiritual feast,” Bishop Causeé said.Speaking to 900 youth and their leaders and bishops from the São Paulo West Regional Council gathered for a special youth devotional on Saturday, January 19, at the São Paolo Stake Center, Bishop Caussé talked about the importance of communicating to everyone we know that we are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He concluded by leading the large audience in the Primary song “<a href="https://www.lds.org/music/library/childrens-songbook/the-church-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a>.” Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé speaks during the dedication of the new Beehive Clothing and Distribution Center in the Embu district of Brazil on January 21, 2019. Two missionaries from the Brazil MTC gather to hear messages from Elder Richard J. Maynes of the Seventy and Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé. Youth and their leaders and bishops from the São Paulo West Regional Council gather for a special youth devotional January 19, 2019, at the São Paulo Stake Center to hear messages from Elder Richard J. Maynes of the Seventy and Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé.“I feel way more confident about sharing the gospel with everyone after listening to Bishop Caussé and Elder Maynes,” said Elder Samuel Mogire, the first missionary from Nairobi, Kenya, to attend the MTC in Brazil. “It was a powerful experience for me.”Before returning to Salt Lake City January 22, Elder Maynes and Bishop Caussé also traveled 10 miles from São Paulo to the Embu district to attend the dedication of the new Beehive Clothing and Distribution Center in the Embu district on Monday, January 21. The new 65,000-square-foot facility will manufacture temple clothing and store and distribute essential gospel products.The two leaders visited the <a href="https://www.lds.org/callings/missionary/missionary-training-centers/brazil?lang=eng">Brazil Missionary Training Center</a> Saturday, January 19, where a crowd of almost 400 missionaries from all over Brazil, Latin America, Africa, and the U.S. waited to hear them speak. Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé and Elder Richard J. Maynes of the Seventy visit with Brazil Area President Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis (right) and Elder W. Mark Bassett (left) after the dedication of the new Beehive Clothing and Distribution Center in the Embu district of Brazil on January 21, 2019. Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé greets people gathered for the dedication of the new Beehive Clothing and Distribution Center in the Embu district of Brazil on January 21, 2019.Youth who responded mentioned decisions including being baptized, serving a full-time mission, and marrying in the temple. Each of these important decisions can be made during your youth, Elder Maynes told them. Elder Richard J. Maynes of the Seventy greets youth from the São Paulo West Regional Council gathered for a special youth devotional at the São Paulo Stake Center on January 19, 2019. Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé speaks during the dedication of the new São Paulo Temple Visitors’ Center on January 20, 2019.On Sunday, January 20, the leaders joined the Brazil Area Presidency in a highly anticipated event for the Brazilian Saints—the dedication of the new São Paulo Temple Visitors’ Center. Elder and Sister Casado, directors of the new visitors’ center, 40 stake presidents and their wives, five mission presidents, and 40 sister missionaries called to serve attended the event, where Brazil Area President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/marcos-a-aidukaitis?lang=eng">Marcos A. Aidukaitis</a> offered the dedicatory prayer.“I loved everything they said,” she said, “and I tried to take notes so that I can read them again when I am facing my own challenges.” Elder Richard J. Maynes of the Seventy speaks during the dedication of the new São Paulo Temple Visitors’ Center on January 20, 2019.Giovanna Lopes da Costa, a 15-year-old from the Novo Osasco Ward and one of the hundreds of youth in the congregation, filled her notebook with quotes from Bishop Caussé and Elder Maynes.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/29/350-IMG_5952.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé speaks to missionaries at the Brazil MTC January 19.</p>
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Youth and their leaders and bishops from the São Paulo West Regional Council gather for a special youth devotional on January 19, 2019, at the São Paulo Stake Center to hear messages from Elder Richard J. Maynes of the Seventy and Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/bishop-causse-and-elder-maynes-enjoy-spiritual-feast-in-brazil?lang=eng#3717858696Thu, 31 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
“There Are All These Angels Rallying Around”: How a Family in Paradise Took President Nelson’s Advice to Serve
https://www.lds.org/church/news/there-are-all-these-angels-rallying-around-how-a-family-in-paradise-took-president-nelsons-advice-to-serve?lang=eng
<p>Still, when Thanksgiving came around just weeks after the fire, Grange said there was plenty to be thankful for. Grange’s father had originally scheduled a leg surgery just days before the fire and had changed plans, deciding to visit Grange in Utah instead. Had they gone through with the surgery, Grange’s father would have still been recovering when the wildfire came. Being elderly and living on a property on acres of land, the chance of them making it out safely would have been small.Not everyone will be able to rebuild in Paradise. Some members of the community didn’t have insurance, Chambers said, and many are elderly and will pick up and move elsewhere. Family and friends gather at the Grange home to collect donations for the Paradise, California, fire victims. Photo courtesy of Angela Grange.“Children are suffering because of the loss of the memories they had there,” she said. “And so they need something to do about that.”The behind-the-scenes help for the Paradise fire victims has been wide in scale these past months. Over 14,000 toys were collected for children who were displaced in Paradise, and the Chico California Stake Relief Society president Jo Anne Madsen received over 4,000 packages at her home for members of the Paradise community.“You hear that phrase, ‘your thoughts and prayers,’ and you think it’s kind of a saying, but you feel it. I felt everybody loving and supporting me and my family,” said Grange. “There are all these angels rallying around when people are suffering, and that’s really, really special.”“I want to be there helping them, and so this is how I’ve been able to get through this, is throw myself into finding ways to serve the people of Paradise,” said Grange.The community has always been close. Since the fire, though, Chambers said there’s been a kind of bond between Paradise residents that runs deeper than before. Within half a day after the fire hit Paradise, $3,000 worth of blankets, clothes, shoes, and jeans were being driven to the Chico Elks Lodge and distributed to those in need. The memory of that is something Chambers will never quite be able to erase from his mind.Paradise isn’t just a mark on the map for a man like Chambers.President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/russell-m-nelson?lang=eng">Russell M. Nelson </a><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-nelson-visits-and-comforts-california-fire-victims?lang=eng">visited Paradise on January 13</a>, offering words of comfort to Latter-day Saints in the area just two days after his daughter <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/daughter-of-president-nelson-dies-after-courageous-battle-with-cancer?lang=eng">Wendy Nelson Maxfield</a> died after a courageous battle with cancer. Though struggling with his own grief, President Nelson said, “There is nothing we would rather do than to try to be of help to others.”Although there is still a long way to go in getting the people of Paradise back on their feet—children were out of school for weeks, and finding a place to live or rent has been extremely difficult—of all the things the people need, Grange and Ingoglia said prayers are on the top of the list.Away from their friends and family, the fire left Grange and Ingoglia desperate to help.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/350-there-are-all-these-angels-rallying-around-how-a-family-in-p_5.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> These gift cards and cash, collected by Angela Grange, were donated to the Paradise, California, wildfire victims. Photo courtesy of Angela Grange.</p>
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It’s his entire life.Chambers will always remember that dark November day when ash the size of silver dollars rained down from the sky, when he sped 80 mph down the road to make sure the people he loved were safe.Helping the people of Paradise became a family affair. Grange collected over $10,000 in donations over the past months, many of which her brother delivered to the fire victims over Thanksgiving. Additionally, Grange helped initiate a fundraiser at her ward’s Christmas party, which raised roughly $5,000. Church members in Grange’s ward also wrote cards and tied blankets for the fire victims, while her sister who lost her home acted as a liaison to communicate what the community’s needs were.“We started thinking about what we can do to help others and it took us from thinking of ourselves [to thinking about] what can we do to relieve their suffering?”“We’re all from Paradise,” he said. “We all went to Paradise High School. We played football, wrestled on the same team. … When we’d go fishing, we’d all hike on the same fishing trails. I think that since we’ve lost most of our town … that’s what’s brought us together most is that we all have something in common and all want it … to be right and normal again.” The Ingoglia home before the Camp Fire in Paradise, California. Photo courtesy of Angela Grange.But while that day has changed his life and the life of his community forever, he isn’t giving up.“I call my sister almost every single day because some days are really good and she’s hanging in there and some days she’s falling apart,” said Grange. “It’s just really hard. So I guess that’s the only thing I can do right now and the best thing I can do.”Seeing the impact the fire has had on Grange has made the situation “more real” for ward members, said Grange’s bishop, Olympus 7th Ward Bishop Jeff Beck. Understanding how it has affected someone close to the situation, he added, has made all the difference.From Fourth of July celebrations in the summer with American flags lining the street to Johnny Appleseed Days in October with homemade apple pies for sale, growing up in this small town in California was something of a dream for Sean Chambers. He remembers the sweet relief of swimming holes in the canyon on sweltering hot days, cutting down Christmas trees in December for the living room, chocolate festivals, pizza trucks, and a community that felt more like family than neighbors.“It’s one thing to read on the news and see all the images, and it’s another thing to take a step back and realize these people—they have nowhere to go,” said Bishop Beck. “It’s heartbreaking.”Ingoglia has taken to calling her friends on a daily basis. Now that she’s returned to California with her husband, she said they’ve also found peace by attending the <a href="https://www.lds.org/temples/details/sacramento-california-temple?lang=eng">Sacramento California Temple</a> with friends and have felt a “healing power” there. She’s also asked her grandchildren to draw pictures of her home so they can always remember their favorite places there. Ingoglia plans on putting the pictures in a book for their family and said the process has been a therapeutic one for her grandkids.“Just to see the people at the Elks lodge, see the looks on their faces of not only defeat, but shame in their eyes. … You could just feel it in the air,” he said. “It was heartbreaking.” The Paradise 1st Ward meetinghouse in Paradise, California, on Saturday, January 12, 2019—two months after the Camp Fire destroyed 1,400 homes and hundreds of businesses. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.When Angela Grange heard about the fire in Paradise, the news hit her hard. Currently a resident of Holladay, Utah, she grew up in Paradise like her nephew Chambers. The people there, she said, have been her best friends since she moved there as a 12-year-old. Her sister also settled down in the area, and her parents have made it their home for the past 40 years.There’s just something about Paradise.“I wouldn’t want to move anywhere else, especially after seeing everybody come together like they have,” said Chambers. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”<strong>The fire</strong> The Ingoglia home after the Camp Fire in Paradise, California. Photo courtesy of Angela Grange.Chambers was born and raised in Paradise. His grandparents moved to the area in the late ’70s, putting in roots for good when they built their home there in the ’80s. Ever since, that home has always been something of a safe haven for their family, a gathering place they’ve counted on.<strong>Reaching out</strong>Ash and debris now blanket Paradise, California. The town is just a ghost of what it once was since the Camp Fire <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-nelson-bringing-hope-to-paradise-fire-victims-sunday?lang=eng">tore through homes and businesses on November 8, 2018</a>, killing 88 people and destroying 18,804 structures. For outsiders, one might think the devastation would mean packing up and leaving. But for locals like Chambers, it means dusting off and starting all over again in the place he loves.Grange’s mother, Irene Ingoglia, happened to be visiting her daughter in Utah with her husband at the time of the fire. Ingoglia was out taking a walk when she was notified on her phone that she and her husband would need to evacuate—even though they were several states away.Since Ingoglia’s home was right on the edge of the canyon, though, they knew right away there wasn’t a chance her home would make it or that anything could be saved. But Ingoglia hoped her daughter in Paradise would be fine, never dreaming that the fire would burn its way clear across town to where she lived.<strong>Going forward</strong>“I felt like the Lord blessed us and was watching over us,” said Ingoglia, who believes that her husband, who had suffered two previous heart attacks, may have had an additional attack due to the trauma if they had been in Paradise during the fire. “It wasn’t our time to die, I guess, because I think if we had been there it may have been fatal. … So, we’re very thankful.”“We can always rebuild,” he said. “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/there-are-all-these-angels-rallying-around-how-a-family-in-paradise-took-president-nelsons-advice-to-serve?lang=eng#1836606195Wed, 30 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
New Stakes and Stake Presidencies Announced in January 2019
https://www.lds.org/church/news/new-stakes-and-stake-presidencies-announced-in-january-2019?lang=eng
<p><strong>SUVA FIJI NORTH STAKE</strong> (November 11, 2018): President—<strong>Sakusa Mekemeke Maiwiriwiri</strong>, 38, temple recorder; succeeding Vito W. Qaqa; wife, Salote Cavuca Malani Maiwiriwiri. Counselors—<strong>Vito Wasai Qaqa</strong>, 36, facility manager for the Church; wife, Charley Suzanne Shields Qaqa. <strong>Viliame Sokotiviti Levaci</strong>, 38, seminaries and institutes teacher; wife, Melissa Eliza Jean Koster Levaci.<strong>CALI COLOMBIA VILLA COLOMBIA STAKE</strong> (December 2, 2018): President—<strong>Carlos Andrés Diaz Collazos</strong>, 37, facilitator, Office of Education; succeeding Jean C. Guerrero Lopez; wife, Andrea Patricia Muñoz Constain. Counselors—<strong>Juan Carlos Correa Arce</strong>, 54, transporter; wife, Maria Betsy Mejia Pasaje. <strong>Darwin Jared Trochez Rubio</strong>, 40, music teacher; wife, Linda Stella Romo Grisales.<strong>HURRICANE UTAH WEST STAKE</strong> (January 6, 2019): President—<strong>Thomas John Kuhlmann</strong>, 56, fire chief, chief administration officer, Hurricane Valley Fire; succeeding Jason A. Gubler; wife, Leanne Louise Vanderslice Kuhlmann. Counselors—<strong>Kelly Earl Murie</strong>, 54, appraiser; wife, Tana Louise Wilson Murie. <strong>Ryan Thomas Peterson</strong>, 40, podiatrist; wife, Jessica Leigh Reese Peterson.<strong>COLUMBIA MARYLAND STAKE</strong> (January 6, 2019): President—<strong>Lorin Michael Lund</strong>, 58, operations research group leader, MITRE Corporation; succeeding James R. Mitchell; wife, Camille Annette Cook Lund. Counselors—<strong>Eric John Nuss</strong>, 56, counsel, Kramer Amado; wife, Kellie Lin Wixom Nuss. <strong>Alberto Alonso Flores</strong>, 41, software engineer, Northrop Grumman; wife, Aracelli Aranda Flores.<strong>RIRE IDAHO STAKE</strong> (December 9, 2018): President—<strong>Justin Ricks Miller</strong>, 43, faculty, BYU–Idaho; succeeding Boyd S. Foster; wife, Jolynn Annene Hogge Miller. Counselors—<strong>Alan Kent Young</strong>, 52, faculty development manager, BYU–Idaho; wife, Mary Beth Sever Young. <strong>John Steven Griffith</strong>, 55, professor, BYU–Idaho; wife, Charlene Renee Kohl Griffith.<strong>SALT LAKE GRANGER STAKE</strong> (January 6, 2019): President—<strong>John Jay Campbell</strong>, 65, human resources, Woodbury Corp.; succeeding Jeffrey L. Hill; wife, Kristine Bangerter Campbell. Counselors—<strong>Robert Charles Bentley</strong>, 44, instructional designer, Utah Education Network; wife, Jeanette Ann Larsen Bentley. <strong>Blake Ray Dalton</strong>, 41, seminary teacher; wife, Hillary Liddle Dalton.<strong>PLEASANT GROVE UTAH MANILA STAKE</strong> (January 6, 2019): President—<strong>David Lynn Rosenvall</strong>, 52, chief technology officer, chief information officer, Response; succeeding Scott A. Livingston; wife, Denise Bullock Rosenvall. Counselors—<strong>Brandon Dale Greenwood</strong>, 44, dentist; wife, Kathryn Nicole Stamler Greenwood. <strong>Scott Bradley Bishop</strong>, 41, owner, contractor, BP Builders; wife, Jamie Lee Scholes Bishop.<strong>SALT LAKE WINDER STAKE</strong> (December 9, 2018): President—<strong>Robert Rees Woods</strong>, 43, president and CEO, Command7, Republic Development, Summit Capital Group; succeeding D. Russell Wight; wife, Stefanie Lehman Wight. Counselors—<strong>Jeremiah K Clark</strong>, 58, physical facilities manager, seminaries and institutes; wife, Rachel Christensen Clark. <strong>Hipa Neria</strong>, 50, vice president of logistics, Wing Enterprises Inc.; wife, Marilee Baggett Neira.<strong>ABBOTFORD BRITISH COLUMBIA STAKE</strong> (December 2, 2018): President—<strong>Jamie Donn Vermeeren</strong>, 45, regional director, IG Wealth Management; succeeding Neil T. McKenzie; wife, Stacy Lara Swarthout Vermeeren. Counselors—<strong>Paul Lyman Hardy</strong>, 46, senior business adviser, ICBC; wife, Lucinda Ann Walker Hardy. <strong>Marc Andrew Officer</strong>, 47, secondary school teacher; wife, Carmen Teresa Chiarizio Officer.<strong>CARLSBAD CALIFORNIA STAKE</strong> (January 6, 2019): President—<strong>Jack Matthew Shirley</strong>, 44, partner and CPA, Friedman Brannen; succeeding Steven J. Pynes; wife, Katherine Jean Packard Shirley. Counselors—<strong>Michael Glen Willes</strong>, 54, orthodontist; wife, Heidi Maureen Jackson Willes. <strong>Brandon Terry Walker</strong>, 45, regional account manager, Biogen; wife, Sara Brooke Vreeken Walker.<em>A new stake has been created from the Pleasant Grove Utah Manila Stake. The Pleasant Grove Utah Manila Creek Stake, which consists of the Manila 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th, and 12th Wards, was created by Elder S. Gifford Nielsen, General Authority Seventy, and Elder L. Todd Budge, an Area Seventy.</em><strong>CASA GRANDE ARIZONA STAKE</strong> (December 9, 2018): President—<strong>Chad LeRoy Rowley</strong>, 48, president and chief financial officer, ExhibitOne Corporation; succeeding Grant D. Walton; wife, Sarah Ressa Rowley. Counselors—<strong>Byrce Jared McBride</strong>, 42, web manager, INLEA; wife, Nettie Suzanne Bates McBride. <strong>Randy Dale Riggs</strong>, 42, founder and president, Capital R Construction; wife, Trisha Tomkinson Riggs.<strong>FOUNTAIN COLORADO STAKE</strong> (December 2, 2018): President—<strong>Bruce Matheson Rands</strong>, 45, partner, Torbet Tuft &amp; McConkie; succeeding Brent J. Smith; wife, Teri Lynette Campbell Rands. Counselors—<strong>Ryan Collier Teeples</strong>, 43, director of global sourcing, Keysight Technologies; wife, Kristeen Marie Harris Teeples. <strong>Frederick Charles Hinton</strong>, 47, eligibility and admin specialist, Craig Hospital; wife, Trudy Lyn Lyons Hinton.<em>A new stake has been created from the Hurricane Utah West Stake. The Hurricane Utah North Stake, which consists of the Hurricane 1st, 2nd, 7th, 8th, 12th, 14th, 17th, and 24th Wards, was created by Elder Matthew L. Carpenter, General Authority Seventy, and Elder Michael H. Bourne, an Area Seventy.</em><strong>PLEASANT GROVE UTAH MANILA CREEK STAKE</strong> (January 6, 2019): President—<strong>Scott Alan Livingston</strong>, 53, Dental Intelligence; wife, Ginger Sue Anderson Livingston. Counselors—<strong>Bradley Jay Smith</strong>, 53, vice president, Doug Smith Autoplex; wife, Dana Donaldson. <strong>David Reece DeMille</strong>, 41, manager of municipal sales, Republic Services; wife, Michelle Marie Strickland DeMille.<strong>HURRICANE UTAH NORTH STAKE</strong> (January 6, 2019): President—<strong>Evan Earl Thomas</strong>, 45, commercial loan officer, State Bank of Southern Utah; wife, Jill Allison Shoemaker Thomas. Counselors—<strong>Clayton Loyd Barton</strong>, 46, owner, Washington Family Vet; wife, Calleen Rollins Barton. <strong>Russell William Meredith</strong>, 60, national sales manager, Alsco Inc.; wife, Natalie Kunz Meredith.<strong>SÃO PAULO BRAZIL JARANGUA STAKE</strong> (December 9, 2018): President—<strong>Paulo Henrique Sabino Ferreira</strong>, 39, support manager; succeeding Anisio Alves de Sousa; wife, Regiane de Souza Sabino Ferreira. Counselors—<strong>Abdoral Feitosa Rodrigues</strong>, 48, work technician, Heating Cooling; wife, Conceição de Maria Sousa Rodrigues. <strong>Leles Pedro dos Santos Jr.</strong>, 37, administrative manager, Primorex; wife, Cristina Freitas de Santana Santos. <strong>New stakes</strong><strong>BAGUIO PHILIPPINES STAKE</strong> (December 2, 2018): President—<strong>Jaime Terrenal Ballena IV</strong>, 44, professor, St. Louis University; succeeding Edison M. Cabrito; wife, Mallisa Clarisa Tarona Bonifacio Ballena. Counselors—<strong>Jaime Sianen Canite</strong>, 49, court stenographer; wife, Remedios Apigo Cayado Canite. <strong>Sidney Hatada</strong>, 41, owner, Mile Connections Travel &amp; Tours, Trucking Services; wife, Karen Sepal Binayan.<strong>Reorganized stakes</strong><strong>CALGARY ALBERTA FOOTHILLS STAKE</strong> (November 11, 2018): President—<strong>Gordon Alexander Lee</strong>, 38, owner, Foothill Cleaners; succeeding David E. Spackman; wife, Sarah Samways Kulchetscki Lee. Counselors—<strong>James Ralph Kyle</strong>, 64, engineering project manager; wife, Ruth Kathy Kano Kyle. <strong>Ronald Barry Moore</strong>, 45, manager of IT disaster recovery, WestJet Airlines; wife, Kelly Victoria Scarlet Richardson Moore.<strong>OAKTON VIRGINIA STAKE</strong> (December 2, 2018): President—<strong>Robert Brody Buhler</strong>, 46, managing director, Accenture; succeeding Scott M. Wheatley; wife, Keary Wynn Jensen Buhler. Counselors—<strong>Michael Douglas Corry</strong>, 54, professor, George Washington University; wife, Deborah Southwick Corry. <strong>Junji John Shimazaki</strong>, 59, attorney; wife, Kristina Nielson Shimazaki.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/new-stakes-and-stake-presidencies-announced-in-january-2019?lang=eng#3420387575Wed, 30 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
New Tool Helps Prospective Missionaries Plan Best Time for Them to Serve
https://www.lds.org/church/news/new-tool-helps-prospective-missionaries-plan-best-time-for-them-to-serve?lang=eng
<p>In addition, an oversized group of missionaries may limit leadership opportunities, and when a large number of experienced missionaries is all at once replaced with a large number of new missionaries all at once, missionary work may suffer.School scheduling is an important factor for prospective missionaries to consider when setting their availability dates. For some, their preferred service is based on the school year, often leaving during the summer months. Others choose to defer scholarships and grants, which some colleges will hold for up to 2 ½ years.“Trust the Lord’s timing,” she said. “If He needs you to go sooner [or later] than you planned or expected, trust Him. He’ll provide a way for it to work out.”<strong>Challenges</strong>Jose Franco, who served in the Oklahoma City Mission (2011–2013) agreed that choosing when to serve a mission “is a very personal choice” between the individual and the Lord. “Everyone has a different timeline,” he said. “Some people wait, like myself, and others go right away.”“Missionaries who spend a semester at college or working can gain useful life experiences that will <a href="https://www.lds.org/callings/missionary/faqs?lang=eng">prepare them for service</a>,” Elder Nielson said. “They can have more individual attention in the missionary training center and be assigned to a more experienced first companion as they arrive in the field when they leave at a non-peak time.”The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a new <a href="https://www.lds.org/callings/mission/mission-timing?lang=eng">tool</a> to help prospective missionaries consider the best time frame for their missionary service.Olivier said that when President Monson announced the age change, he “knew it wasn’t the right time for me.” He had already planned on doing a year of college, he said, and with his parents’ support, he moved out of the house.“This planning tool uses actual data updating continuously based on the Church’s missionary needs worldwide,” said Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/brent-h-nielson?lang=eng">Brent H. Nielson</a>, Executive Director of the Missionary Department. “While it does not guarantee a missionary will leave on a certain date, it will help our young men and women be more deliberate and thoughtful as they decide when they will be best prepared to serve the Lord as a missionary.”In a <a href="https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/new-tool-available-prospective-missionaries">video</a> released on mormonnewsroom.org January 30, Elder Nielson said, “Prospective missionaries should be prayerful and thoughtful as they determine the best time to begin their missionary service.”
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> A new online mission planning tool from the Church’s Missionary Department can help prospective missionaries consider the timing of their missionary service and leave when they are best prepared.</p>
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According to the <a href="https://www.lds.org/callings/mission/mission-timing?lang=eng">website</a>, the tool is also “designed to help reduce the likelihood of a missionary asking to return home a few weeks early for school, work opportunities, or family events.”The <a href="https://www.lds.org/callings/mission/mission-timing?lang=eng">online mission planning tool</a>, which includes a Mission Release Date Planning Tool and a Submission Planning Tool, helps prospective missionaries understand:Franco encourages prospective missionaries planning on serving at a later date to “be involved in something good: school, work, service, or working on a personal goal,” and to save as much money as possible. “Also, surround yourselves with good, wholesome people: family, friends, ward family, and institute,” he added.“In some cases, they may leave as soon as they turn 18 or 19. In other cases, they may decide to spend a little extra time preparing. That decision is best left up to the missionary and their parents as they prayerfully consider their circumstances.”When President Monson made the announcement, he said, “I am not suggesting that all young men will—or should—serve at this earlier age” (“<a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/welcome-to-conference?lang=eng">Welcome to Conference</a>,” Oct. 2012 general conference).“Using the new tool has been really helpful as far as planning when I can go because it really allows you to look at your options,” said Abby Child, a senior in high school from Bountiful, Utah, who plans to serve a mission after she graduates. She said the tool will help her feel less stressed about her return date and when to submit her papers, plus, “It was really simple to use. It was very visual, and I’m a visual learner. It was nice to see my options laid out.”As a result, the Church takes great care to balance a prospective missionary’s availability date with the needs and capacities of the mission and MTC to which he or she is called, while also dealing with possible visa or other such considerations.<li>How the mission availability date they list in their application influences their desired mission start and release dates.</li><li>When their stake president submits their online recommendation influences their desired mission start and release dates.</li>Franco said despite feeling an almost immediate pressure to serve a mission after his baptism at age 18, beginning his service when he was almost 21 was “truly my own decision” and was not made to please others.“As an almost 21-year-old on the mission, I was more matured,” Franco said. I had completed my associate’s degree before starting my mission. I had more life experience that helped me relate to investigators. I served near three universities, so I was able to relate to the students who we often talked to. I also had earned money to pay for my mission. This made me appreciate my service even more.”Stevenson’s advice to prospective missionaries is don’t wait to prepare. “If going on a mission is something you already know is right for you, be serious about preparing now.”Other considerations include worthiness, family needs, finances, and health.Stevenson is grateful for her mission experiences. “I came home with a new sense of confidence and understanding of who I really was. I also had a greater perspective of the world and the challenges individuals face that are different from mine. This helped me a lot as I started college again and began to navigate more unknowns of my young adult years.”<strong>Considerations about when to serve</strong> Mission Release Date Planning Tool.The year of school gave Olivier “both time to prepare myself spiritually and also time to become a more independent, well-developed individual. … I found that this year of preparation served me very well. I was happy at college, and I had a clear goal in mind for myself. I had a testimony and a desire to share the light that Christ had brought into my life. I worked hard and I achieved my goal and served a mission.”In the video, Elder Nielson said that any perceived social expectation that prospective missionaries are supposed to turn in their papers as soon as they turn 18 or 19 is not the case.<strong>Advice for while you wait to serve</strong> Submission Planning Tool.In the months of August, September, and October, the MTC in Provo, Utah, has as much as three times as many missionaries as other months, like April, for example. In fact, the influx of missionaries entering the field in the same months can lead to crowded MTCs and a missionary force that keeps fluctuating throughout the year.According to the Church’s Missionary Department, since 2012, when President Thomas S. Monson announced that young men could begin serving at age 18 and women at 19, the number of missionaries entering the field between July and September has increased significantly, at times significantly influencing the effectiveness of mission and missionary training center resources such as housing, teaching staff, and trainers.If a prospective missionary's circumstances allow, selecting a non-peak availability date may be something he or she might consider.Max Taylor Olivier, who served in the Uruguay Montevideo Mission (2014–2016), said, “If you feel like [serving a mission] is for you, then only you can know when you’re ready to go. It’s entirely an individual, personal matter. Unfortunately, this decision is fraught with social pressure and tension, but do your best to ignore that.”Lucille Lynne Stevenson, who served in the Illinois Chicago Mission (2015–2017) said, “I knew by my sophomore year in high school that I would serve, so my plan had always been to go as soon as I could. I felt that Heavenly Father needed me out there sooner.” Serving soon after her 19th birthday “doesn’t mean I didn’t prepare for it,” she said. “I had honestly been preparing temporally and spiritually to be able to go for years.”</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/new-tool-helps-prospective-missionaries-plan-best-time-for-them-to-serve?lang=eng#3780533665Wed, 30 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Hong Kong China Temple to Close for Renovation
https://www.lds.org/church/news/hong-kong-china-temple-to-close-for-renovation?lang=eng
<p>The Temple Department drew on that inspired, detailed concept for the Hong Kong Temple, and Elders Brough and Carmack penned <a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/2006/12/how-the-hong-kong-temple-came-to-be?lang=eng&amp;_r=1" class="sense-link">an account of the experience</a> for the December 2006 <em>Ensign</em> magazine.Announced in 1992 and dedicated on May 26, 1996, by President Gordon B. Hinckley, the temple—located in the Kowloon Tong suburb on the Kowloon Peninsula—was opened a little more than a year before Hong Kong’s sovereignty transfer from British rule to China in 1997.Besides the two future closings and renovations announced this month, 10 temples are closed for renovations, with three scheduled for rededications and reopenings later this year—the Memphis Tennessee Temple with a May 5 <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/events/memphis-tennessee-temple-rededication?lang=eng">rededication</a>, the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple for <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/events/oklahoma-city-oklahoma-temple-rededication?lang=eng">rededication</a> on May 19, and the Oakland California Temple with a June 16 <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/events/oakland-california-temple-open-house-and-rededication?lang=eng">rededication</a> date.The Hong Kong China Temple will close for extensive renovations effective July 8, the First Presidency has announced.<a href="https://www.lds.org/temples/details/hong-kong-china-temple?lang=eng" target="_blank" class="sense-link">The Hong Kong China Temple</a> was the first multilevel, multipurpose temple building constructed by the Church. The top three levels are given for temple use, with the temple baptistry below ground along with underground parking. Other floors include a chapel and apartments for the temple president and the Hong Kong Mission president.In the October 2018 general conference, President Russell M. Nelson announced plans to renovate the iconic Salt Lake Temple and other pioneer-era temples along with plans to build 12 new temples.Exhausted by the day’s visits, President Hinckley retired early for the night, then requested the two Seventies join him early the next morning as he shared a drawing of an eight-story, multi-use building that would be built on the site where stood a local chapel, the mission office, and the mission home. The statue of the angel Moroni atop the Hong Kong China Temple. The Hong Kong China Temple.The temple serves members in China, Singapore, and Mongolia.<a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/st-george-temple-to-close-in-2019-for-extensive-renovations?lang=eng">Announced</a> earlier this month was the planned closure and <span class="sense-link">renovation of the St. George Utah Temple</span>. It will close November 4, with a projected reopening in 2022.The design came to President Hinckley, then a counselor in the First Presidency, during a 1991 visit to Hong Kong. He had made visits to several small, costly parcels to be considered as potential temple sites, accompanied by Elders Monte J. Brough and John K. Carmack, both General Authority Seventies and members of the Asia Area Presidency.Others that are closed while being refurbished include temples in Raleigh, North Carolina; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Frankfurt, Germany; Asunción, Paraguay; Tokyo, Japan; Washington, D.C.; Mesa, Arizona; and Hamilton, New Zealand. The Hong Kong China Temple.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/hong-kong-china-temple-to-close-for-renovation?lang=eng#3756506686Tue, 29 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Brazilian Missionary Dies after Collapsing during a Soccer Game in Portugal
https://www.lds.org/church/news/brazilian-missionary-dies-after-collapsing-during-a-soccer-game-in-portugal?lang=eng
<p>The Church is providing counseling to the missionaries who witnessed this tragedy.Joao Victor Rodrigues Gondim, 20, of São Paulo, Brazil, had been serving in the Portugal Lisbon Mission since July 2017. The cause of his death is unknown at this time, according to a statement from the Church. Map of Lisbon, Portugal. Graphic by Aaron Thorup.A Latter-day Saint missionary in Portugal died Monday, January 28, after collapsing during a soccer game with other missionaries.“Our hearts go out to his family as they mourn his passing,” said Daniel Woodruff, Church spokesman. “We pray they will feel peace and support during this difficult time.”</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/brazilian-missionary-dies-after-collapsing-during-a-soccer-game-in-portugal?lang=eng#2728755710Tue, 29 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Quick Tip: Printing Your Official Tax Summary from LDS.org
https://www.lds.org/church/news/quick-tip-printing-your-official-tax-summary-from-ldsorg?lang=eng
<p>If you have donated through Online Donations (<a href="http://donations.lds.org/" target="_blank">donations.lds.org</a>) and logged in using an <a href="https://ldsaccount.lds.org/help">LDS Account</a> associated with your membership record number (MRN), then your statement will include all your donations, including any donations you made directly to your ward or branch.<strong>Adding a membership record number to your LDS Account</strong><em>Quick Tips is a <em>regular series of helpful how-to tips to</em> help you get the most out of LDS.org. To find additional LDS.org Quick Tips, simply type “Quick Tips” in the search bar.</em>If you have used an LDS Account that was <em>not</em> associated with a membership record number (MRN), then you should add your record number to your account so that future statements will include <em>all</em> of your donations:For additional questions or help, contact your ward or branch clerk. For more help adding your MRN to your LDS Account, go to <a href="https://ldsaccount.lds.org/contactSupport" target="_blank">ldsaccount.lds.org/contactsupport</a>.<li>Go to <a href="http://donations.lds.org/" target="_blank">donations.lds.org</a>. (You can also navigate to it on LDS.org by selecting <strong>My Account and Ward</strong> in the upper right corner of your screen and then choosing <strong>Donations</strong>.)</li><li>In the left margin, click on <strong>Donor Statements</strong>. Then select which tax form you want to print: Official Task Statement or Statement of Contributions.</li>You can print your official Tax Summary Statement directly from LDS.org.<li>Go to <a href="https://ldsaccount.lds.org/membership" target="_blank">ldsaccount.lds.org/membership</a> and log in to your account with the username you used to log in to Online Donations.</li><li>Click <strong>Membership</strong>.</li><li>Enter your membership record number (MRN). </li><li>Click <strong>Save</strong>.</li></p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/quick-tip-printing-your-official-tax-summary-from-ldsorg?lang=eng#3688735220Tue, 29 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Elder William R. Bradford, Emeritus General Authority Seventy, Dies at 85
https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-william-r-bradford-emeritus-general-authority-seventy-dies-at-85?lang=eng
<p>Born in Springville, Utah, to Rawsel W. and Mary Waddoups Bradford on October 25, 1933, Elder Bradford moved to Hawaii at the age of 12 when his father served two missions there. His grandfather Bradford was a missionary in Hawaii in 1906, serving six years and doing considerable work on the temple there. His grandfather on his mother’s side, William M. Waddoups, served as the first president of the <a href="https://www.lds.org/temples/details/laie-hawaii-temple?lang=eng">Laie Hawaii Temple</a> from 1919 to 1930. He also served as a mission president in Hawaii, Samoa, and New Zealand.While serving as president of the Chile Santiago Mission, Elder Bradford was called to serve as a new member of the reconstituted First Quorum of the Seventy in October 1975. In that general conference, Elder Bradford bore his testimony, saying, “My father taught me not to be a toe-dipper, but to plunge in and bathe all over in the gospel.”From that missionary atmosphere, “I learned that missionary work can only be done one way,” Elder Bradford said. “That is when a person will live his life in such a way that the Spirit can work through him and testify to others.”“I am very impressed with Chile,” he said. “The people are great. Their attitudes and the effort they are willing to make for a cause I have never found in a people before. They are dedicated to rebuilding their nation, and they are filled with patriotism and desire.”A public viewing will be held from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 3, at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 Main Street, Bountiful, and Monday morning at the meetinghouse from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the funeral services.As a General Authority Seventy, Elder Bradford spoke nine times in general conference.Elder Bradford served as president of the Chile Santiago and Chile Santiago South Missions from 1975 to 1978.Elder Bradford attended Brigham Young University before serving a mission in Japan from 1953 to 1955. When he returned, he met and married Mary Ann Bird. They are the parents of six children and have 27 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.Soon after they were married, Elder Bradford was called into military service and assigned to duty in Fort Devens, Massachusetts, for three years. They then moved to McAllen, Texas, where he and his brother established a citrus and truck garden farm. This business evolved into an import business that operated in Texas, Mexico, and Central America.“To all of you within the sound of my voice who are not following the pattern of the Master, change,” he said. “Open your hearts to his love. Open your doors to his servants. Let them come into your homes and teach you what you must do to be like him.”Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 4, at 11:00 a.m. at the Eagleridge Ward meetinghouse, 351 Lofty Lane, North Salt Lake, Utah.Working along the border gave Elder Bradford the opportunity to learn Spanish and work with the Mexican American people. In south Texas, he served as a member of a district presidency, district mission president, and president of the McAllen Branch.“Striving to live righteously is attempting to do all that we can in obedience,” he said. “With this comes the inner peace and comfort that in doing all we can, the plan of God will be accomplished in our behalf. No other feeling in the soul of man can bring the joy and happiness than that of knowing you are doing all you can to become righteous.”In his <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1999/10/righteousness?lang=eng">last general conference address</a> in October 1999, Elder Bradford counseled members to do all they can to become righteous.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/28/350-elder-william-r-bradford-emeritus-general-authority-seventy-_1.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Elder William R. Bradford, emeritus General Authority Seventy, died January 24, 2019, at 85.</p>
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In a November 1, 1975, <em>Church News</em> article, Elder Bradford shared how missionary work was a part of every aspect of his life. “I have spent most of my life in the mission field and I look forward to being a missionary for the rest of my life,” he said.In April 1976, he spoke on <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1976/04/are-we-following-christs-pattern?lang=eng">following Christ’s pattern</a>.Elder William R. Bradford, emeritus General Authority Seventy and <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/archive/2006-07-01/new-temple-presidents-28977">former president of the Houston Texas Temple</a> and the <a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/1975/11/news-of-the-church/elder-william-r-bradford-of-the-first-quorum-of-the-seventy?lang=eng">Chile Santiago and Chile Santiago South Missions</a>, died on January 24, 2019, in Bountiful, Utah. He was 85.In addition to these callings, Elder Bradford has also served as an Assistant Executive Director of the Church's Curriculum Department, managing director, executive administrator, and area supervisor. Following his release as a General Authority Seventy in 2003, Elder and Sister Bradford were called to serve as president and matron of the Houston Texas Temple from 2006 to 2009.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-william-r-bradford-emeritus-general-authority-seventy-dies-at-85?lang=eng#3774083200Tue, 29 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
U.S. Congress Includes 10 Latter-day Saints—the Fewest Number in a Decade
https://www.lds.org/church/news/us-congress-includes-10-latter-day-saints-the-fewest-number-in-a-decade?lang=eng
<p>Ten Church members have begun their service in the 116th United States Congress—including four members of the U.S. Senate and six from the U.S. House of Representatives.The 116th Congress has the fewest number of members in at least a decade. Ten members claiming Church affiliation is the lowest over the last six congresses, <a href="http://www.pewforum.org/2019/01/03/faith-on-the-hill-116/">according to the Pew Research Center</a>.<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/350-us-congress-includes-10-latter-day-saints_7.jpg" alt="" style="width: 200px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width:160px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Rep. John Curtis (R-Utah). Official portrait.</p>
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<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/350-us-congress-includes-10-latter-day-saints_4.jpg" alt="" style="width: 200px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width:160px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Sen. Tom Udall (D-New Mexico). Official portrait.</p>
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<strong>Ben McAdams,</strong> D-Utah, begins his maiden term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He defeated incumbent and fellow Church member Mia Love in the 2018 election.<strong>Tom Udall</strong>, D-New Mexico, has served in the Senate since 2009. He also represented New Mexico in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1999 to 2009.<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/350-us-congress-includes-10-latter-day-saints_9.jpg" alt="" style="width: 200px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width:160px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho). Official portrait.</p>
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<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/350-us-congress-includes-10-latter-day-saints_10.jpg" alt="" style="width: 200px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width:160px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Rep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah). Official portrait.</p>
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<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/350-us-congress-includes-10-latter-day-saints_2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 200px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width:160px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah). Official portrait.</p>
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<strong>Latter-day Saints in the U.S. Senate</strong><strong>Chris Stewart,</strong> R-Utah, has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2013.<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/350-us-congress-includes-10-latter-day-saints_3.jpg" alt="" style="width: 200px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width:160px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah). Official portrait.</p>
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<strong>John Curtis,</strong> R-Utah, began serving in the U.S. House of Representatives in November of 2017 after the resignation of fellow Latter-day Saint legislator Jason Chaffetz.<strong>Mitt Romney,</strong> R-Utah, begins his first term in the Senate. He previously served as governor of Massachusetts (2003–2007) and was the Republican nominee in the 2012 presidential election.<strong>Rob Bishop,</strong> R-Utah, has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2003.<strong>Latter-day Saints in the U.S. House of Representatives</strong><img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/350-us-congress-includes-10-latter-day-saints_5.jpg" alt="" style="width: 200px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width:160px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Arizona). Official portrait.</p>
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<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/350-us-congress-includes-10-latter-day-saints_6.jpg" alt="" style="width: 200px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width:160px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah). Official portrait.</p>
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<strong>Mike Simpson,</strong> R-Idaho, has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1999.<strong>Michael D. Crapo</strong>, R-Idaho, has served in the Senate since 1999. He also served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 1999.<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/350-us-congress-includes-10-latter-day-saints_8.jpg" alt="" style="width: 200px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width:160px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Rep. Ben McAdams (D-Utah). Official portrait.</p>
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<strong>Mike Lee,</strong> R-Utah, has served in the Senate since 2011.<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/350-us-congress-includes-10-latter-day-saints_1.jpg" alt="" style="width: 200px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width:160px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Sen. Michael D. Crapo (R-Idaho). Official portrait.</p>
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<strong>Andy Biggs</strong>, R-Arizona, begins his second term in U.S. Congress.The Latter-day Saint lawmakers are all men and represent four different states: Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico, and Utah. Eight are Republicans; the other two are Democrats.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/us-congress-includes-10-latter-day-saints-the-fewest-number-in-a-decade?lang=eng#3625014544Mon, 28 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Music and the Spoken Word: Becoming Our Best Requires Us to Grow and Let Go
https://www.lds.org/church/news/music-and-the-spoken-word-becoming-our-best-requires-us-to-grow-and-let-go?lang=eng
<p><em>Editor's note: The “spoken word” is shared by Lloyd Newell each Sunday during the weekly Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square broadcast. The following was given January 13, 2019.</em>We had better hope the answer is yes, because each of us has something to change. And if we hope others will allow us to grow and improve, we must allow them to do the same. Life is not about holding on tightly to what we’re familiar with, to what we think we know. It’s about learning and progressing and becoming better versions of ourselves with every passing day.So the next time you meet someone you haven’t seen in a while—or even someone you see every day—open your heart to a new narrative, a new memory in the making. Allow others, and yourself, to become the people we were meant to become.Not long ago, a man ran into an old high school friend, one he had not seen for many decades. He remembered his classmate as a reckless teenager, but he was now well into his 60s, and he was noticeably different: certainly more responsible and mature, but also kinder and more caring. What a pleasure it was to get reacquainted with this new version of his long-lost friend. He couldn’t help but ponder what experiences must have influenced him over those many years. What heartache and happiness, what successes and sorrows had shaped him and made him into the person he had become?Life is all about growth. Our physical growth is most obvious, but we also grow in other ways that are more meaningful. And yet we sometimes struggle to let other people grow too. For some reason, we hold fast to our first impressions of them. It’s as if we have already written their life stories—in permanent ink! Maybe it’s our way of simplifying our complex world. But can’t people change? If someone was wild and wayward years ago, can he mature and straighten out his life? If someone was careless and conceited in the past, can her heart be humbled and softened?The <em>Music and the Spoken Word</em> broadcast is available on KSL-TV, KSL Radio 1160 AM/102.7 FM, <a href="http://ksl.com/">ksl.com</a>, KSL X-stream, BYU-TV, BYU Radio, BYU-TV International, CBS Radio Network, Dish Network, DirecTV, SiriusXM Radio (Channel 143), and on the Tabernacle Choir’s <a href="http://mormontabernaclechoir.org/">website</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/MormonTabChoir">YouTube channel</a>.The program is aired live on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. on many of these outlets. Look up broadcast information by state and city at <a href="http://musicandthespokenword.org/schedules.shtml">musicandthespokenword.org</a>.<strong>Tuning in</strong>Then he had a more sobering thought: Have I changed too? How have my experiences shaped and molded me? Do my friends see in me a gentler, more compassionate person? Or do they see the same immature youth I once was?</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/music-and-the-spoken-word-becoming-our-best-requires-us-to-grow-and-let-go?lang=eng#1084328090Mon, 28 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Church Leaders Break Ground for Bangkok Thailand Temple
https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-leaders-break-ground-for-bangkok-thailand-temple?lang=eng
<p> More than 700 members and friends attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bangkok Thailand Temple January 26, 2019.“My heart is filled with joy and gratitude to be here today,” Elder Gay said in the <a href="https://www.mormonnewsroom.hk/eng/article/church-leaders-break-ground-for-temple-in-bangkok" target="_blank" class="sense-link">Newsroom</a> release. “Because of the faithfulness of the Saints in Thailand, a house of the Lord will soon be built in this country and many will have the opportunity to participate in temple worship with their family and partake of the eternal blessings that come with it.”
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/28/350-church-leaders-broke-ground-for-bangkok-thailand-temple_7.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles with his wife, Sister Patricia Holland, tour the Church site to be used for a temple in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, April 20, 2018. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.</p>
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President Nelson said the Saints of Thailand will not be passive.President Thomas S. Monson <span class="sense-link">announced the Bangkok Thailand Temple</span> during general conference on April 5, 2015. President Russell M. Nelson and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visited <span class="sense-link">Bangkok</span><span class="sense-link">, including the future temple site</span>, last April as part of President Nelson’s worldwide ministry tour.According to Newsroom, the Church will build a 44,405-square-foot, six-story temple with multiple spires. Additionally, a 91,370-square-foot building will feature two religious meetinghouses, seminary and institute facilities, Church offices, and housing.<a href="https://www.mormonnewsroom.hk/eng/article/church-leaders-break-ground-for-temple-in-bangkok" target="_blank" class="sense-link">Read the full news release here</a>.On Saturday, January 26, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints broke ground for its first temple in <span class="sense-link">Thailand</span>. Shovels await the ceremonial breaking of the ground to begin construction on the Bangkok Thailand Temple on January 26, 2019. The Church will build a 44,405-square-foot, six-story temple with multiple spires reaching heavenward.Local community leaders participated in the ceremony and were joined by 700 members of the Church. <span class="sense-link">Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/robert-c-gay?lang=eng">Robert C. Gay</a></span> of the Presidency of the Seventy presided at the groundbreaking. The temple will be located in the business area of Bangkok. Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, look over the proposed site for a temple in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, April 20, 2018. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/28/350-church-leaders-broke-ground-for-bangkok-thailand-temple_5.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Elder Robert C. Gay of the Presidency of the Seventy speaks at the groundbreaking for the Bangkok Thailand Temple on Saturday, January 26, 2019.</p>
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“We have long prayed for a temple in Thailand,” Sister Uanphoklang said. “We are grateful that each of our children will have the blessing of receiving their temple ordinances and being sealed when they go on missions and marry. The temple gives us joy and hope as we seek to teach our children and help them feel of God’s love for them.”“These people are energized. They are inspired. They want to do something about their faith,” he said. “They are going to get ready for their temple.”Known as the “Land of Smiles,” Thailand today is home to more than 20,000 Church members in four stakes and two districts. The Bangkok Temple will serve Latter-day Saints in Thailand and in nearby countries. Elder Wisit Khanakham, an Area Seventy, offers remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bangkok Thailand Temple.One Thai member, Sister Wipharat Uanphoklang, spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony on what building a temple in Thailand means to her family.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-leaders-break-ground-for-bangkok-thailand-temple?lang=eng#3649209373Mon, 28 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
New Rome Temple Welcomed as Sign of Bright Future for the Church
https://www.lds.org/church/news/new-rome-temple-welcomed-as-sign-of-bright-future-for-the-church?lang=eng
<p>“Our city is well-known for its Renaissance and baroque styles,” he said. “This is a very nice modern architecture which will add to our city.”“Anywhere a temple is announced and constructed and dedicated blesses the people; it brings a power to that place,” he said. “It’s the power of the ordinances, the power of the covenants, the power of the light that emanates from the temple, and that blessing occurs everywhere.”The temple’s square includes more significant details. A fountain flows down the steps that cover a slight incline from the temple down to the visitors’ center on the opposite end of the piazza.Valentiner said the difficulty makes it likely the Rome Temple will be one of a kind.Finally, the visitors’ center includes a stained-glass representation of 40 of Christ’s parables.Most of his stake is coming to the open house. They have rented buses and arranged for cars and rented camping sites.“This is like a beacon,” he added. “This specific room attracts you. You want to be at the Savior’s feet. In our Catholic tradition, people go up and touch statues. I understand that tradition now. It’s powerful. It reminds you for whom the temple is built.”“It was not easy,” he said. “It probably will never be done again. It’s complicated to build. But I think the beauty of the temple is being appreciated and recognized.”“We have Salt Lake Temple Square. Now maybe we have Rome Temple Square.”The square sits on the site of an old farm that was covered in olive trees and Roman umbrella pines. The pines are protected, and they remain where they were, flanking the temple on both sides. Dozens of olive trees have been transplanted around the site strategically, and four olive trees ranging in age from 400 to 500 years were brought in from northern Italy as symbolic accents in the piazza.“We knew we wanted to connect [the temple to Italy], and one of the most important things that was very clear in the beginning was that we really wanted to make sure that we created the concept of an Italian piazza,” said Valentiner, president of VCBO Architecture.“Now the members of the Church here will be happy and proud to take their relatives and friends to this compound and show them the temple and visitors’ center,” he added.“I see a bright future for the Church.”“It will be farther for some Church members than the Bern Switzerland Temple, but it’s an Italian temple,” he said. “It feels like ours.”The fact that the water flows from the house of the Lord to the <em>Christus</em> statue was a striking symbol of the living water of Jesus Christ to Susanne Torgard, who is the curator of the Church of Our Lady Museum in Copenhagen, Denmark—the church home to the original <em>Christus</em> statue. One of four trees that are 400 to 500 years old on the grounds of the Rome Italy Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Tuesday, January 15, 2019. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News. Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gestures as he speaks with officials from the Church of Our Lady in Denmark, which is home to the original <em>Christus</em> statue, after giving them a tour of the Rome Italy Temple and visitors’ center on Wednesday, January 16, 2019. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News.That’s a feeling all Church members can share, said Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/ronald-a-rasband?lang=eng">Ronald A. Rasband</a> of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/350-new-temple-seen-by-italian-saints-as-sign-of-bright-future-f_2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Niels Valentiner, architect of the Rome Italy Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, poses for a photo on Tuesday, January 15, 2019. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News.</p>
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They will find a temple that combines contemporary Italian architecture with the local past, Valentiner said.“We kept coming back to this oval design, which is really seen by many as an expression of Italian baroque architecture,” he said. “It takes from Italy an architectural statement and brings it into the temple.”“I just sat here for about an hour yesterday, trying to look at every one of the parables that I could figure out that were shown in this art glass,” Elder Rasband said. “On the other side of it is the magnificent <em>Christus</em> statue and the 12 Apostles that are shown there. I’m going back to when I was a mission president, but I’m thinking if I had missionaries in the Rome Italy Mission, I would surely want them to be bringing people who are interested in the gospel to this visitors’ center and to show them the beautiful cutout of the temple that’s over there and this diorama and just study it and look and bear testimony in front of the <em>Christus</em> statue.” Elder Ronald A. Rasband, center, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles poses with officials from the Church of Our Lady in Denmark, which is home to the original <em>Christus</em> statue, after giving them a tour at the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center and gifts of <em>Christus</em> figurines in Rome on Wednesday, January 16, 2019. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News.“The way the square is built reminds me of an ancient Roman forum,” he said. “This is not just an American church planting a flag here in Rome. This feels Italian. It’s the perfect blend of excellence and culture. It was built with consideration and love for the people of Italy to help us feel it’s ours now.”The center is the perfect complement to the temple, said President Cordani, who was at the temple for training to host VIP tours before the public open house. He drove more than five hours south from Piacenza in northern Italy to Rome.President Cordani’s sensation was exactly what the architect had in mind. Niels Valentiner came to the project with a clear concept in mind for the vast site, which at 15 acres is 50 percent larger than Temple Square in Salt Lake City.“Now they have this exquisite, beautiful, magnificent temple that will be a destination temple, not just for the Italian Saints but European Saints,” he said. “Saints throughout the world are going to come to the Rome Italy Temple.” The cornerstone of the Rome Italy Temple, to be dedicated in March 2019, in Rome, Italy, is shown in the foreground with the piazza in the background on Friday, November 16, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.“So the temple is spectacular in every way. … Not all the temples have visitors’ centers, so this is a very special place that we’re in right here. And I hope that the members and the missionaries bring their family and their friends and teach the gospel of Christ right here in this visitors’ center.”The view initially overwhelmed President Cordani, who first saw it during daylight. Later, lit up after nightfall, it stole his breath.Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/larry-y-wilson?lang=eng">Larry Y. Wilson</a>, Executive Director of the Temple Department and a General Authority Seventy, discussed the challenge of building an oval temple with one tour of international academics.Italian media left the <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/apostles-present-rome-italy-temple-to-special-guests-media-during-open-house-tours?lang=eng">news conference</a> on January 14 and lit up social media with photos of the temple and visitors’ center. The following day, the newspapers were full of stories about what in Italian is called the Tempio di Roma.ROME, ITALY“Now we will be even more visible, and we will have a stronger presence here,” said Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/massimo-de-feo?lang=eng">Massimo De Feo</a>, a native Italian and General Authority Seventy who serves in the Europe Area Presidency. “We better do the right things, and we will.Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/david-a-bednar?lang=eng">David A. Bednar</a> of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles agreed.“With the fountains, the structures, and the greenery, this is a magnificent place people will flow to,” President Cordani predicted. “I can imagine spending hours here with friends.”The president of Rome’s city council, Marcello De Vito, praised the square at a news conference.“If you want to try a difficult construction project, build something the shape of an oval,” he said. “Many of these interior walls are the shape of an oval. That piece of furniture looks like it’s sitting flat against the wall, but if you go look at it carefully, it’s custom made in the shape of the wall. So it’s actually curved on the back of it to fit against the curved wall.”“We had the four buildings,” Valentiner said. “They made it so obvious that we could create a piazza that I think is felt by all as being very Italian. We knew that was an important feature for us if we were going to create what we think of now as the Rome Temple Square.”“The temple is a place of spiritual power,” Elder Bednar added. “And that power blesses not only Latter-day Saints, but it extends into the neighborhood and into the community. If you take, for example, the temple in Accra, Ghana: I visited there the first time in 2005, and there wasn’t much there other than the temple, a stake center, and the area offices. To see how that surrounding community has been blessed and prospered in the years since then is stunning. So, I think the spiritual power that emanates from the house of the Lord, it’s not the building. The building is nice, but it’s the power of the ordinances and the covenants. And when you have Latter-day Saints striving to honor those covenants, who come here to be reminded to renew, to remember, that can’t help but bless the entire community, even the entire nation.”A piazza—the Italian word means square or courtyard—is regularly surrounded by buildings and includes fountains, gardens, and trees.“I have a sensation that is hard to describe,” President Cordani said as he stood in front of the statues in the glowing rotunda after dark. “It feels like we are entering a new phase in this country. This light will not just shine on this square. It will spread throughout the country.”Visitors to the Rome Italy Temple <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/events/rome-italy-temple-open-house-and-dedication?lang=eng">open house</a> that runs through February 16 will see the front of the uniquely oval building for the first time the way President Andrea Cordani of the Verona Italy Stake did earlier this month, by walking out of the adjacent meetinghouse and into a square.To his left as he first left the meetinghouse was the granite temple, <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/new-video-shows-how-the-rome-italy-temple-celebrates-symbolism-italian-roots?lang=eng">uniquely oval</a> and regally tall at three stories. Directly ahead, across a plaza of marble, fountains, flowers, and olive trees, was the patrons’ housing. And to his right was a visitors’ center with a two-story rotunda that, when lit up at night, becomes a jaw-dropping display case for the Carrara <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/from-copenhagen-to-carrara-to-rome-the-modern-day-travels-of-ancient-apostle-statues?lang=eng">marble statues</a> of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s <em>Christus</em> and 12 ancient Apostles from Peter to Paul.“We talked about the water going directly between the symbol and the source,” she said after a tour of the temple and visitors’ center and its statues. “The water flows from the temple because it’s higher here, but it goes to the source [Jesus Christ] and there is this kind of a circular movement between them.” (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/a-closer-look-at-symbolism-of-christus-and-ancient-apostles-statues-in-rome?lang=eng">related story</a>.)Already, Elder De Feo said, the Church is growing in Italy, which he called a miracle.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/new-rome-temple-welcomed-as-sign-of-bright-future-for-the-church?lang=eng#2310917877Mon, 28 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
FamilySearch Tree Mobile App Enriches Lives and Makes Family History Work Easier
https://www.lds.org/church/news/familysearch-tree-mobile-app-enriches-lives-and-makes-family-history-work-easier?lang=eng
<p>Smedley felt the same heavenly support while facing a difficult personal struggle. At a time when she felt particularly alone and isolated, Smedley was using the tree app and found an ancestor who had experienced the very same challenge. The discovery forged a strong spiritual bond that has helped her to keep going, she said.The app has also allowed nonmember users to build, view, preserve, and share family history stories, as well as complete short and simple tasks, thanks to its handy access and convenient usage, said Todd Powell, a FamilySearch senior product manager and mobile apps experience manager.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/350-how-the-familysearch-tree-mobile-app-is-enriching-lives-and-_1.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> FamilySearch Tree app users are most likely to be between 20 and 45 years old and female. Graphic by Aaron Thorup.</p>
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One of the two more popular features is called “<a href="https://www.familysearch.org/blog/en/relatives/">Relatives Around Me.</a>” When a group of people log into the app, they hit the “scan” button and see how they are related to others within a 100-foot radius.With the app, there’s what people like to do and there’s what’s popular, Powell said.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/350-how-the-familysearch-tree-mobile-app-is-enriching-lives-and-_2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> The FamilySearch Tree app’s most popular features include viewing ancestors and relatives around me. New additions will be coming in 2019. Graphic by Aaron Thorup.</p>
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“I had not done any family history previous to this. … It’s brought a peace into my life that never would have been there otherwise,” Miles said. “I feel like it’s a miracle and such a blessing to be alive during this age. Yes, there are things that are scary. But Heavenly Father has accounted for that. He’s given us tools that are actually stronger than what the adversary can throw at us. We just need to use them. This is definitely one of those tools. I feel it’s underutilized.”“It was a really neat experience for us,” Powell said.In recent years the FamilySearch Tree mobile app has become a nifty way for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to learn about ancestors as well as find and prepare names to take to the temple.FamilySearch is planning some additional app developments for 2019, including simpler ways to review and attach sources and new discovery features that designers hope will enhance the overall user experience. Users can expect to learn more about new app developments while attending <a href="https://www.rootstech.org/salt-lake">RootsTech</a>, February 27 through March 2, in Salt Lake City.Miles “dove into family history work” after her husband was diagnosed with what she described as a “complex” brain aneurysm. In performing this sacred work she felt the power of words spoken by Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/dale-g-renlund?lang=eng">Dale G. Renlund</a> of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in April 2018: “Family history and temple work provided the power to heal that which needed healing” (“<a href="https://www.lds.org/study/general-conference/2018/04/family-history-and-temple-work-sealing-and-healing?lang=eng">Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing</a>”).Engaging the app also helped Miles to find comfort and healing when her husband suffered a brain aneurysm.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/350-how-the-familysearch-tree-mobile-app-is-enriching-lives-and-_12.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> When signed into the FamilySearch Tree app, users can find relatives standing within approximately 100 feet of each other. Photo courtesy of FamilySearch.</p>
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A third feature is “<a href="https://www.familysearch.org/blog/en/whats-map-ancestors/">Map My Ancestors</a>.” Using GPS technology, users can log in and access a map to discover where ancestors lived and died, including cemeteries where they are buried, depending on their location.With much of her ancestors’ temple work already done, Miles started becoming familiar with her family lines by attaching documents, like a birth or death certificate. Much to her delight, in the process of doing this, Miles discovered more than 300 family names needing temple ordinances, she said.“It stayed with me … and I knew it would be OK,” Smedley said. “I had a profound sense of not being alone. I think that’s why people love the temple and doing family history work, because it deepens and builds your family connections. It builds love, and you feel less alone.”A second popular feature is “<a href="https://www.familysearch.org/blog/en/ordinances-ready/">Ordinances Ready</a>,” which makes it simple for Latter-day Saints to find and prepare an ancestor’s name for a trip to the temple.“It was fun to see who was related. Granted, they were eighth and ninth cousins, but it was still fun to see the connection. It gets you to go one step further and start looking in your family tree,” Jeppesen said. “One sister said she was a convert and didn’t have any relations. She was a little discouraged. We helped her do it and she found a couple of people that were related. She was excited.”For the past year, the 42-year-old wife and mother of four has opened the app on her smartphone whenever she has time—waiting for kids in the carpool line at school, showing Relief Society sisters how to use one of the features, and when interacting with her children during fun family home evening activities.Amy Miles could talk for hours about how the <a href="https://www.lds.org/pages/mobileapps?lang=eng">FamilySearch Tree mobile app</a> has enriched her life.“I think the app brings people to family history who otherwise wouldn’t have come to family history,” said Wendy Smedley, FamilySearch marketing manager. “You can do many of the same things on the mobile app as you can on a desktop computer or laptop. The app feels less intimidating. It’s a simplified experience. It’s intended for people who want to do something quickly.”Since its launch in July 2014, more than 4 million users have downloaded the free <a href="https://www.familysearch.org/campaign/mobile/tree?cid=bl-GP-3645">FamilySearch Tree mobile app</a>. It averages 700,000 monthly users, most of which fall in the 20–45 age range. The mobile app can also do 90 percent of the functions a user can find using the web on a desktop or laptop computer, according to FamilySearch.“The experience really lends itself to the mobile app and allows you to do it [find and prepare names] quickly,” Smedley said. “We hope this becomes the norm for members.”This turned out to be an exciting activity for Garland, Utah, resident Carla Jeppesen and others at a recent Relief Society activity. She joked that it would be fun to try at stake conference, although the Wi-Fi would likely crash.On a road trip to Arizona last summer, Powell used this app feature to locate the burial spots of a great-great-grandfather and children who were great-aunts and uncles, he said.“Everyone could use a bit of heaven’s help,” Miles said.Then there’s the main feature people like to use, Powell said, which for Miles is her “absolute most favorite” feature on the FamilySearch Tree app. It’s called “<a href="https://www.familysearch.org/blog/en/completing-tasks-familysearch-tree-mobile-app/">Tasks</a>,” a check-mark symbol at the bottom of the screen. This feature allows users to view new ancestor hints or prepare ancestral ordinances for the temple.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/350-how-the-familysearch-tree-mobile-app-is-enriching-lives-and-_3.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> The FamilySearch Tree app is free and most used in the United States, Brazil, and Mexico. Graphic by Aaron Thorup.</p>
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“It’s allowing people to engage in family history when they have just a couple of minutes, on the go,” Powell said. “It’s the relative ease and availability of having the app with them at any time they want.”</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/familysearch-tree-mobile-app-enriches-lives-and-makes-family-history-work-easier?lang=eng#2680884935Mon, 28 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
2019 Mission Presidents Called to Mongolia, Nigeria, Honduras, and More
https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-mongolia-nigeria-honduras-and-more?lang=eng
<p><strong>Philippines Naga Mission</strong><img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/250-new-mission-presidents_7.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Paul M. and Sue Harman</p>
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Sister Hansen is a ward Primary secretary and a former ward Relief Society presidency counselor, ward Young Women secretary, ward Relief Society teacher, seminary teacher, and missionary in the Utah Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission. She was born in Batsumber, Tuv Aimag, Mongolia, and raised in Altanbulag, Tuv Aimag, Mongolia, to A. Dashzeveg and B. Nansalmaa.Aley K. Auna Jr., 64, and Danelle L. Y. Auna, six children, Kona 2nd Ward, Kona Hawaii Stake: Washington Everett Mission, succeeding President Michael S. Wilding and Sister LeAnn F. Wilding. <strong>Missouri St. Louis Mission</strong>Brother Sandberg is a stake Young Men president and a former stake president, stake presidency counselor, stake executive secretary, ward Young Men president, bishopric counselor, and missionary in the Chile Antofagasta Mission. He was born in Provo, Utah, to Gilbert Ivar Sandberg and Michelle Hatch.Sister Droubay is a former ward Relief Society and Young Women president, ward Relief Society presidency counselor, Young Women adviser, and ward Young Women camp director. She was born in Logan, Utah, to Russell Kay Port and Glenda Floy Palmer Port.Sister Sandberg is a ward Young Women secretary and a former stake Primary presidency counselor, ward Primary president, and ward Young Women and Primary presidency counselor. She was born in Summit, New Jersey, to Michael Marcello Jannelli and Elaine Armstrong.Brother Harman is a high councilor and a former mission presidency counselor, stake presidency counselor, bishop, branch president, and missionary in the Brazil São Paulo North Mission. He was born in Tacoma, Washington, to Bobby Merrill Harman and Twila Doone Ivie Harman.<strong>Brazil Santos Mission</strong>Sister Auna is a ward Primary presidency counselor and temple ordinance worker and a former stake Young Women president, ward Relief Society and Primary president, ward Young Women presidency counselor, seminary teacher, Primary teacher, and missionary in the Oklahoma Tulsa Mission. She was born in Hilo, Hawaii, to Leo Calabio and Florence Kaleilani’onamoku Calabio.Sister Kirk is a ward Relief Society secretary and a former stake Young Women president, ward Young Women president, ward Primary president, Young Women adviser, Gospel Doctrine teacher, and seminary teacher. She was born in Ridgecrest, California, to Lloyd Pittmon and Jo Marie Durell Pittmon.<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/250-new-mission-presidents_3.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> T. Trevor and Jamie L. Bell</p>
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Brother Chapman is a Sunday School teacher and a former stake presidency counselor, stake Sunday School president, bishop, Primary teacher, and missionary in the West Virginia Charleston Mission. He was born in Provo, Utah, to Terrance Oliver Chapman and Linda Burnham Chapman.Sister Abraham is a Relief Society teacher and a former ward Relief Society presidency counselor, ward Young Women president, and seminary teacher. She was born in San Jose City Nueva Ecija, Philippines, to Mariano Cruz Agustin Jr. and Aurora Reyes Domingo Agustin.Brother Bell is an executive secretary for the Utah Ogden Mission and a former stake president, bishop, bishopric counselor, elders quorum presidency counselor, ward Young Men president, and missionary in the England Birmingham Mission. He was born in Pocatello, Idaho, to Ted Wayne Bell and Robyn Sue Bell.<strong>Mongolia Ulaanbaatar Mission</strong><strong>Virginia Richmond Mission</strong>Jeffery G. Chapman, 55, and Kristi Ann Chapman, five children, Salem 2nd Ward, Rexburg Idaho Henry’s Fork Stake: Texas Fort Worth Mission, succeeding President Darrell G. Whitney and Sister Sally A. Whitney. <strong>Washington Everett Mission</strong>Robert B. Walker, 55, and Joni N. Walker, four children, Mueller Park 10th Ward, Bountiful Utah Mueller Park Stake: Hawaii Honolulu Mission, succeeding President James H. Bekker and Sister Delsie A. Bekker. <strong>California Carlsbad Mission</strong>Brother Walker is a former stake presidency counselor, bishop, bishopric counselor, elders quorum president, ward executive secretary, ward Young Men president, and missionary in the Switzerland Geneva Mission. He was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, to Robert Harris Walker and Barbara Amussen Benson Walker.<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/250-new-mission-presidents_16.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Robert B. and Joni N. Walker</p>
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Paul M. Harman, 62, and Sue Harman, three children, Toll Canyon Ward, Park City Utah Stake: Brazil Santos Mission, succeeding President Carlos S. Obata and Sister Janete Obata. <strong>Hawaii Honolulu Mission</strong>
<h3><img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/250-new-mission-presidents_13.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/></h3>
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<h3 class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, ​Helvetica, ​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Jonathan G. and Sharon Jannelli Sandberg</h3>
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<strong>Brazil Goiânia Mission</strong>Brother Oldroyd serves in the BYU China Teachers Program and is a former stake presidency counselor, ward Young Men president, bishop, high councilor, Gospel Doctrine teacher, and missionary in the California Arcadia Mission. He was born in Salt Lake City to Ferris A. Oldroyd and Donna Vy Robison Oldroyd.<strong>California Bakersfield Mission</strong>Weldon J. Reeves, 55, and Kathryn N. Reeves, four children, Clear Lake 1st Ward, League City Texas Stake: California Carlsbad Mission, succeeding President Glen B. Thomas and Sister Kim W. Thomas. <img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/250-new-mission-presidents_9.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Eduardo R. and Ana Maria Mora</p>
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Sister Chapman is a Sunday School teacher and a former stake Young Women president, stake Relief Society secretary, ward Relief Society and Primary president, ward Relief Society presidency counselor, and missionary in the West Virginia Charleston Mission. She was born in Salt Lake City to Edward Fraughton and Ann Stevenson.Daniel M. Piros, 46, and Suzana C. G. Piros, four children, Bosque Ward, São Paulo Brazil South Stake: Brazil Goiânia Mission, succeeding President Francisco Bührer and Sister Sandra Bührer. <strong>Philippines Legazpi Mission</strong>A. David Hansen, 41, and Chimka Chimeddulam Hansen, four children, Alpine Cove Ward, Alpine Utah North Stake: Mongolia Ulaanbaatar Mission, succeeding President Jeffrey C. Harper and Sister Kim E. Harper. Brother Mora is a stake president and a former stake presidency counselor, bishop, high councilor, ward Young Men president, seminary teacher, and missionary in the El Salvador San Salvador Mission. He was born in San Jose, Costa Rica, to Eduardo Mora González and Froilana Villalobos Méndez.Sister Reeves is a former stake Young Women presidency counselor, ward Relief Society president, institute instructor, seminary teacher, stake music chairman, and Relief Society teacher. She was born in Salt Lake City to Talmage Whiting Nielsen and Dorothy Levie Nielsen.Sister Mora is an institute teacher and a former stake Relief Society presidency counselor, ward Young Women president, ward Primary president, and seminary teacher. She was born in San Isidro del General, Costa Rica, to Marjorie Segura Navarro.Brother Hansen is a bishopric counselor and a former stake clerk, elders quorum president, Young Men adviser, and missionary in the Mongolia Ulaanbaatar Mission. He was born in American Fork, Utah, to John LeRoy Hansen and Sandra Jane Saari.Brother Reeves is a former stake president, stake presidency counselor, ward Young Men president and counselor, seminary teacher, bishop, and missionary in the Dominican Republic Santo Domingo Mission. He was born in Redwood City, California, to Donald Lawrence Reeves and Lucinda Payne Reeves.Sister Piros is a Sunday School teacher and a former stake public affairs director; ward Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary president; young single adult adviser; and ward missionary. She was born in São Paulo, Brazil, to João Generoso Filho and Ilca Reis Generoso.Bradly A Oldroyd, 60, and Christy Oldroyd, five children, Oakridge Ward, Farmington Utah Oakridge Stake: Philippines Baguio Mission, succeeding President Dominic B. Bangal and Sister Edeline P. Bangal. <strong>Bolivia Santa Cruz Mission</strong>Sister Walker is a Primary music leader and a former stake Young Women presidency counselor, ward Young Women and Primary president, ward Relief Society secretary, ward Young Women presidency counselor, and Gospel Doctrine teacher. She was born in Salt Lake City to Lewis Vernal Nord and Jo Ann Marie Thayne Nord.Sister Bell is a Relief Society compassionate service coordinator and a former Young Women adviser and Primary teacher. She was born in Nampa, Idaho, to Paul Sigmund Olson and Susan Olson.<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/250-new-mission-presidents_10.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Bradly and Christy Oldroyd</p>
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Brother Auna is an Area Seventy and a former stake president, stake presidency counselor, high councilor, bishop, bishopric counselor, and missionary in the Taiwan Taipei Mission. He was born in Hilo, Hawaii, to Aley Kahaawi Auna and Faye Portia Kekauluohi Morse Auna.Sister Harman is a ward Primary teacher and a former stake Young Women presidency counselor and ward Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary president. She was born in Schenectady, New York, to Boyd Clark Brinton and Lota Ve Brinton.Scott M. Stanford, 59, and Marcia A. Stanford, four children, Northridge 2nd Ward, Orem Utah Northridge Stake: Bolivia Santa Cruz Mission, succeeding President Luis Rodríguez Serrano and Sister María Consuelo Abellan de Rodríguez. Sister Oldroyd serves in the BYU China Teachers Program and is a former stake Young Women presidency counselor; ward Relief Society and Young Women president; ward Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary presidency counselor; Young Women adviser; and activity days leader. She was born in Logan, Utah, to Sterling John Jardine and Annette Lott Jardine.Brad W. Kirk, 60, and Shirley A. Kirk, three children, Dakota Ward, Fresno California East Stake: Philippines Naga Mission, succeeding President Tomasito S. Zapanta and Sister Marivic M. Zapanta. Sister Stanford is a Sunday School teacher and a former stake music chairman, ward Relief Society president, stake Primary presidency counselor, and ward Primary presidency counselor. She was born in Bountiful, Utah, to LeGrande Allen and Marva Genevieve Stevens Allen.<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/250-new-mission-presidents_6.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Chimka and A. David Hansen</p>
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Brother Piros is a stake president and a former stake executive secretary, bishop, bishopric counselor, elders quorum president, and missionary in the Brazil Manaus Mission. He was born in São Paulo, Brazil, to Romeo Antonio Piros and Ilza Maria Alves Piros.Brother Silas is a bishop and a former mission presidency counselor, bishopric counselor, high councilor, district president, district presidency counselor, and missionary in the Nigeria Lagos Mission. He was born in Akamkpa, Cross River State, Nigeria, to Moses Silas Nkan and Ikwo Philip Mkpat.<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/250-new-mission-presidents_5.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> D. Greg and Kimberly Droubay</p>
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Jonathan G. Sandberg, 48, and Sharon Jannelli Sandberg, four children, Lindon 1st Ward, Lindon Central Utah Stake: California Bakersfield Mission, succeeding President Tim W. Layton and Sister Nancy S. Layton. <img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/250-new-mission-presidents_4.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Jeffery G. and Kristi Ann Chapman</p>
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The following new mission presidents and their wives have been called by the First Presidency. They will begin their service in July of 2019. Biographies of other mission presidency couples will be published throughout 2019 on <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/?lang=eng">news.lds.org</a>. <a href="https://www.lds.org/search?lang=eng&amp;domains=news-and-events&amp;query=new+2019+mission+presidents+site%253awww.lds.org%252fchurch%252fnews">Find other published biographies</a>.Brother Stanford is a Sunday School teacher and a former stake presidency counselor, stake mission president, bishop, bishopric counselor, ward mission leader, and missionary in the Chile Viña del Mar Mission. He was born in Provo, Utah, to Ralph Chadwick Stanford and Shirley Yvonne Firth Stanford.<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/250-new-mission-presidents_12.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Weldon and Kathryn Reeves</p>
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<strong>Texas Fort Worth Mission</strong>
<h3><img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/250-new-mission-presidents_15.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/></h3>
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<h3 class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, ​Helvetica, ​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Scott M. and Marcia A. Stanford</h3>
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Sister Silas is a ward Primary and seminary teacher and a former stake Primary president; ward Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary president; and temple ordinance worker. She was born in Ikom Town, Cross River State, Nigeria, to Okon Emmanuel Anwakang and Euginia Egama Otie.<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/250-new-mission-presidents_11.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Daniel M. and Suzana C. G. Piros</p>
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<h3><img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/250-new-mission-presidents_8.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/></h3>
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<h3 class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, ​Helvetica, ​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Shirley A. and Brad W. Kirk</h3>
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Brother Abraham is a Sunday School teacher and a former stake president, bishop, high councilor, bishopric counselor, and missionary in the Philippines Davao and Micronesia Guam Missions. He was born in Lucena City, Quezon Province, Philippines, to Emerson Bedoya Abraham and Pacita Ablan Gerdan Abraham.<strong>Honduras San Pedro Sula East Mission</strong>
<h3><img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/250-new-mission-presidents_14.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/></h3>
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<h3 class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, ​Helvetica, ​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Ntiedo Moses and Gladys Emmanuel Silas</h3>
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T. Trevor Bell, 45, and Jamie L. Bell, five children, Wilson 4th Ward, Ogden Utah West Stake: Missouri St. Louis Mission, succeeding President Michael J. Bateman and Sister Cheryl M. Bateman. <img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/250-new-mission-presidents_1.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Emmanuel Rodantes and Anabelle Abraham</p>
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<strong>Philippines Baguio Mission</strong>D. Greg Droubay, 49, and Kimberly Droubay, three children, Spring Creek 2nd Ward, Springville Utah Spring Creek South Stake: Virginia Richmond Mission, succeeding President Corey B. Smith and Sister Cynthia S. Smith. Ntiedo Moses Silas, 40, and Gladys Emmanuel Silas, two children, Ediba Ward, Calabar Nigeria Stake: Nigeria Owerri Mission, succeeding President Solomon I. Aliche and Sister Victoria Aliche. <strong>Nigeria Owerri Mission</strong>Brother Droubay is a former stake presidency counselor, bishop, bishopric counselor, ward Young Men and elders quorum president, and missionary in the New Hampshire Manchester Mission. He was born in Provo, Utah, to Wendell Paul Droubay and Kathleen Nielson Droubay.Eduardo R. Mora Villalobos, 46, and Ana Maria Segura de Mora, three children, Gravilias Ward, San Jose Costa Rica La Paz Stake: Honduras San Pedro Sula East Mission, succeeding President Rex T. Carlisle Jr. and Sister Susan Carlisle. <img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/250-new-mission-presidents_2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;" class="margin-right-sm"/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', ​Helvetica,​sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: #767676;"> Aley K. and Danelle L. Y. Auna</p>
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Emmanuel Rodantes Gerdan Abraham, 53, and Anabelle Domingo Agustin Abraham, three children, San Jose 2nd Ward, San Jose Nueva Ecija Philippines Stake: Philippines Legazpi Mission, succeeding President Dale K. Kotter and Sister Lori Jan Kotter. Brother Kirk is a ward mission leader and a former stake executive secretary, bishop, high councilor, elders quorum president, ward clerk, and missionary in the Philippines Manila Mission. He was born in Houston, Texas, to Lyle William Kirk and Marjorie Ann Morf Kirk.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-mongolia-nigeria-honduras-and-more?lang=eng#561982777Mon, 28 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
This Year’s MTC Leadership Seminar Features a Series of Firsts
https://www.lds.org/church/news/this-years-mtc-leadership-seminar-features-a-series-of-firsts?lang=eng
<p>Elder Uchtdorf encouraged the MTC leaders to seek divine confidence and to direct new missionaries to do the same.The Missionary Executive Committee expanded last summer to include a fourth member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/ulisses-soares?lang=eng">Ulisses Soares</a> joining Elders Uchtdorf, <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/d-todd-christofferson?lang=eng">D. Todd Christofferson</a>, and <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/neil-l-andersen?lang=eng">Neil L. Andersen</a>) and—like other similar councils—a member of the Presidency of the Seventy (Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/robert-c-gay?lang=eng">Robert C. Gay</a>).And Elder Nielsen underscored the powerful resource of the <a href="https://www.lds.org/study/scriptures/bofm/title-page?lang=eng">Book of Mormon</a> combined with the Spirit, urging MTC leaders to continue to find meaningful scriptures and share them with the new missionaries.“Trust in the Lord,” he added, “and He will help you in a way that these missionaries will go forward and say, ‘Yes, I can do it.’”“It’s the commonality—the unity of the training,” said Provo MTC President David E. LeSueur.And President Timothy M. Olson of the Mexico Missionary Training Center anticipated having a familiar face in a new place after attending with MTC manager Nicolás Casteñeda.<strong>“A friend that you know”</strong> Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and chairman of the Church’s Missionary Executive Council, speaks to MTC leadership couples and managers of operations during the 2019 MTC Leadership Seminar on January 15 at the Provo Missionary Training Center. Photo by Scott Taylor, Church News.In the past, new MTC leaders have joined with couples called as directors of various visitors’ centers and Church historical sites, with the seminar often drawing several dozen couples. But stewardship of the historical sites has moved to the Church History Department, while the visitors’ centers directors now receive training on site.The 2019 MTC Leadership Seminar featured several other “firsts”—the first time held solely for MTCs as well as the first leadership training under the recently expanded Missionary Executive Committee.Sister Franco reviewed the <em><a href="https://www.lds.org/manual/resource-booklet-adjusting-to-missionary-life?lang=eng">Adjusting to Missionary Life</a></em> guidebook on physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and she proved to be unflappable despite technological glitches hampering her presentation. “My stress level is good,” she quipped.With presenters almost outnumbering attendees, all MEC members except Elders Andersen and Soares led training sessions, joined by Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/s-gifford-nielsen?lang=eng">S. Gifford Nielsen</a>—one of the half-dozen General Authority Seventies who double as Missionary Department assistant executive directors—and other directors and managers from within the department.Timena Gasu has worked at the <a href="https://www.lds.org/callings/missionary/missionary-training-centers/new-zealand?lang=eng">New Zealand Missionary Training Center</a> in Auckland for a dozen years, her last nine as the MTC’s manager of operations.Speaking on the conversion of missionaries, Bishop Waddell compared the short-term “tasting” by some of the fruit of the tree of life in Lehi’s dream to the long-term “partaking” by others. “To be converted is good, but it is not sufficient,” he said, adding “it must be ongoing and a life-long conversion, not just a missionary event.”All five MTC leadership couples have previously presided over missions, and all were appreciative—and relieved—to learn that an MTC president’s responsibilities are less demanding than their previous ones as a mission president.While most were learning in advance of their service, President LeSueur and his wife, Sister Nancy LeSueur, put into practice what presenters were preaching, as the seminar’s January 16 afternoon sessions paused while the LeSueurs welcomed 326 newly arrived missionaries to the Provo MTC.In addition to Elder Nielson, other council members include Bishop <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/w-christopher-waddell?lang=eng">W. Christopher Waddell</a> of the Presiding Bishopric, Young Women General President Sister <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/bonnie-h-cordon?lang=eng">Bonnie H. Cordon</a>, Sister <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/cristina-b-franco?lang=eng">Cristina B. Franco</a> of the Primary General Presidency (also added last year), and Missionary Department managing director Gary Crittenden.For example:Speaking on increasing convert baptism, Elder Gay said missionaries need to understand both the doctrine of baptism and the principles that lead to baptism. “The principles help build the commitment,” he said, “but that commitment will resonate more if they are understanding why we baptize.”Added Sister Dil: “We’re not having to reinvent the wheel—the wheel is invented, the cart is rolling, and we just have to get on that cart.”Yet the three recently met for the first time 7,000 miles away from their native country, as President and Sister Dil—the incoming MTC president and Relief Society president of the New Zealand Missionary Training Center—sat side by side with Sister Gasu at the 2019 MTC Leadership Seminar, held January 14–17 at the <a href="https://www.mtc.byu.edu/">Provo MTC</a>.<li>The president oversees the missionaries, the MTC’s ecclesiastical leaders, and the Sunday schedule and instruction; the manager supervises the teachers, the full-time staff, the support services ranging from food and facilities to cleaning and transportation, and the instruction and schedule the rest of the week.</li><li>The president receives, welcomes, and interviews new missionaries; the manager directs their processing.</li><li>The president focuses on health concerns of an individual missionary, while the manager is in charge of institutional health matters and logistics.</li>Elder Christofferson asked MTC leaders to find ways to teach the plan of salvation to missionaries so that they can deepen their understanding of it and be effective in teaching it to others. “Aspects of the plan of salvation ought to be frequently a part of what we say, the direction we give, the counsel we offer,” he said. “Look for opportunities to teach in that way.”Teaching from the <em><a href="https://www.lds.org/manual/safeguards-for-using-technology?lang=eng">Safeguards for Using Technology</a></em> booklet, Sister Cordon said she is “fully committed” to helping young women understand and follow similar principles. Provo MTC President David E. LeSueur addresses the 326 new missionaries who arrived at the missionary training center earlier that afternoon on Wednesday, January 16, 2019. Photo by Scott Taylor, Church News.Mission presidents have day-to-day oversight of missionaries and their lives—including housing, transportation, finances, and well-being. With new missionaries spending the first three to nine weeks of their missions at a training center, it is the manager—not the MTC president—who handles daily operations and training.In short, the MTC president ministers to the new missionaries, while the MTC manager administers for them.“As a former mission president, you feel like you’ve got to be in amongst everything 24/7,” President Dil said. “But this one is different. There are defined roles.”With the seminar under the direction of Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/dieter-f-uchtdorf?lang=eng">Dieter F. Uchtdorf</a>, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-uchtdorf-assigned-to-oversee-europe-and-chair-key-committees?lang=eng">chairman of the Church’s Missionary Executive Council</a>, the distinct yet complimentary roles of the MTC president and wife and the MTC manager of operations were emphasized.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/350-a-series-of-firsts-at-new-mtc-leadership-seminar_2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> President César A. Milder and Sister Maureen Milder of the Brazil Missionary Training Center examine a first-edition Book of Mormon that was shown to participants of the 2019 MTC Leadership Seminar on January 16, 2019. Photo by Scott Taylor, Church News.</p>
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It marked the first time the annual seminar featured <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/new-mtc-presidents-called-to-serve-in-philippines-new-zealand-provo-brazil-and-mexico?lang=eng">incoming MTC presidents and their wives</a> being accompanied by the managers of operations—in all, five president-wife-manager trios from the Provo, Brazil, Mexico City, Philippines, and New Zealand missionary training centers. Of the 12 MTCs worldwide, those five account for about 75 percent of the 40,000 new missionaries trained annually.“It’s nice to have a friend that you know when you get there,” he said.Offering an overall vision of missionary work, Elder Nielson encouraged the leaders to teach the “why” to help missionaries learn the “how.” “If we can know the ‘why,’ we can figure out the ‘how,’” he said.PROVO, UTAHLindsay and Christine Dil have a long list of Church service in and around Auckland, New Zealand—he as a bishop, stake president, and Area Seventy; she in numerous stake and ward auxiliary callings; and together as Pacific Area Church history advisers and three years leading the Ghana Cape Coast Mission.And with the 12 MTCs all operating under the same direction from the Missionary Department, the result is a complete, common, and consistent training—no matter if a missionary is in Manila or Mexico City, Provo or São Paulo.“To talk with him this week, ask questions, hear him answer, and see his confidence in how the MTC operates—that really lifted some weight for us,” President Clark said.She expressed gratitude “for two very stressed-out missionaries who, when I was 2 or 3 years old, knocked on one more door on a rainy night.” The pair felt prompted to try one more home after unsuccessfully stopping at more than 150 others; the elders were invited in by her father, leading her family to join the Church.President Scott B. Clark and Sister Sandra Gail Clark of the Philippines MTC enjoyed reconnecting with MTC manager Raul S. Villanueva, who also serves as an Area Seventy in the Philippines and often attended stake and district conferences when the Clarks were over the Philippines Angeles Mission.At the end of the four-day seminar, Sister Gasu summed up having attended as a manager with the Dils as they start their new assignment. “I feel like we have a good start, a good relationship already to know each other,” she said, “and it’s going to be a great two years.”Even with four months of MTC leadership experience, President Milder repeatedly exclaimed, “My eyes have been opened,” in Portuguese during seminar sessions and a subsequent interview, opening his fists in front of his eyes for emphasis.“When they come to you and when they are with you, they feel their confidence in God is so great that they can do whatever,” he said.<strong>Other firsts</strong>“The Lord always works through the language of the people,” said Sister Cordon, suggesting <a href="http://classic.scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/31/3b" target="_blank">2 Nephi 31:3</a> allows for missionaries to use the internet, social media, texting, and the like in contacting and teaching. “The Lord always speaks to His people in a manner they can understand.”President César A. Milder and Sister Maureen Milder attended the seminar having started their assignment at the Brazil MTC four months ago, their call to serve coming only days before—similar to their responding to last-minute calls to open the Brazil Ribeirão Preto Mission in 1993 and the Brazil Cuiabá Mission in 2006.One of the new presidents said, “The best thing you did was having the MTC director sitting beside me because it gives us so much confidence,” said Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/brent-h-nielson?lang=eng">Brent H. Nielson</a>, a General Authority Seventy and the Missionary Department’s Executive Director. “We know this person knows what’s going on, and they can help us when we get there.”<strong>Mission president vs. MTC president</strong><strong>Leadership training</strong>Attendees marveled in witnessing the flow of the new missionaries—the flagship Provo MTC trains about half of all new missionaries each year. They watched new missionaries being dropped off by family in the underground parking and moving through the stations to receive name tags, training materials, and swipeable cards for access and meals.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/this-years-mtc-leadership-seminar-features-a-series-of-firsts?lang=eng#312335798Mon, 28 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Saturday Morning Blaze Destroys St. George Stake Center Under Construction
https://www.lds.org/church/news/saturday-morning-blaze-destroys-st-george-stake-center-under-construction?lang=eng
<p>The fire was reported first seen on the building’s east-side attic, working its way westward. A large portion of the roof collapsed from the fire and water damage. Firefighters battle a blaze consuming the under-construction St. George East Stake Center early Saturday morning, January 26, 2019, in St. George, Utah. Photo courtesy of the St. George East Stake presidency Facebook page. Firefighters battle a blaze consuming the under-construction St. George East Stake Center early Saturday morning, January 26, 2019, in St. George, Utah. Photo courtesy of the St. George East Stake presidency Facebook page.Firefighting crews from St. George and several surrounding communities arrived shortly before 2 a.m. Saturday, January 26, to battle the blaze as residents watched. The new St. George East Stake Center, located at 453 S. 300 East, was to open later this year.Firefighters worked through Saturday morning to completely extinguish hot spots. According to an <a href="https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900052531/early-morning-fire-destroys-new-utah-latter-day-saints-stake-center.html">article</a> in the <em>Deseret News</em>, fire officials there are saying the fire was intentionally set.A day earlier, a November 4 date was <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/st-george-temple-to-close-in-2019-for-extensive-renovations?lang=eng"><span class="sense-link">announced for closure</span></a> of the St. George Utah Temple for renovations.Facebook posts credited to the St. George East Stake presidency shared photos, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/1108326652593794/videos/323975358245418/" class="sense-link">a video</a>, and response regarding the blaze.An early morning fire Saturday destroyed a stake center under construction across the street from the historic St. George Utah Temple.“We were deeply saddened to have received a call at 2:30 a.m. informing us that our new St. George East Stake Center was on fire,” <a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=2045230548903395&amp;id=1108326652593794" class="sense-link">states the posted comment.</a> “The building that we were so anticipating moving into over the next few months is gone. Those that were up watching it burn were stunned and in complete shock. Our faith is only strengthened as we work through this bump in the road.”The stake’s previous building was <a href="https://www.facebook.com/1108326652593794/videos/1616972295062558/" class="sense-link">torn down in February 2018</a> to make room for the construction of its replacement. One of 18 stakes in the two St. George/Virgin River Coordinating Councils, the St. George East Stake is comprised of eight wards and three branches. Firefighters battle a blaze consuming the under-construction St. George East Stake Center early Saturday morning, January 26, 2019, in St. George, Utah. Photo courtesy of the St. George East Stake presidency Facebook page. Firefighters battle a blaze consuming the under-construction St. George East Stake Center early Saturday morning, January 26, 2019, in St. George, Utah. Photo courtesy of the St. George East Stake presidency Facebook page.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/saturday-morning-blaze-destroys-st-george-stake-center-under-construction?lang=eng#3532611813Sat, 26 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Thousands of Women Report Their Experiences with Prophet’s 4 Challenges
https://www.lds.org/church/news/thousands-of-women-report-their-experiences-with-prophets-4-challenges?lang=eng
<p>Responses regarding the challenge to read the Book of Mormon by the end of 2018 came from women of all ages. Karen <u>Christenson Lisonbee</u> posted for her 88-year-old mother-in-law, who has Parkinson’s disease. “I’m proud to say that she took your challenge and will be finishing the Book of Mormon today,” she said.Mirja Soukko Tapola said, “I learned—or maybe re-learned—that Relief Society isn’t meetings or even being included in a group, that it is a state of mind, a feeling of love, acts of service and being a daughter of God. That participating fully isn’t about the time spent with other sisters but about who you are.”In an LDS.org blog article and follow-up <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lds.russell.m.nelson/posts/2083058518428240?__xts__[0]=68.ARAV5faToek7Nj36WG6rsbpy3RUt7ApW1RwHdPA0GlSBZb44_mAK8FKHuy6of9kQeJpSOUhGXsSmmOMsGu094JJjh-jhIatblqG6sNWzoB3l3ryDoBfquWEm_gSLpTsx83-GPggx_XzEj1whqhuf7FojOCOztUwUjCGDTxNE-vAcr-56E2nUk4iW71pRc40Bf1i5QyV4aIeM2K7txKoOznN1jaWDdiQfAdJIGAx9_z6uIW605fY5s60SvGKmud6tY0X00xr_X2S-wBF36RAjd7TSMJkaY4ZwXH35xrgZAZ1ARnLm_TNt0LPbwVLZVn07i5hFP8bjsB6Osy978I4_v4NGSQ&amp;__tn__=-R">posts</a> on his social channels this week, President Nelson thanked women for accepting his invitations and leaving so many comments.“Sisters, I love you and thank you. As a result of your efforts, I promise that the heavens will open for you. The Lord will bless you with increased inspiration and revelation. Together we can do all that our Heavenly Father needs us to do to prepare the world for the Second Coming of His Beloved Son.”Several women commented on President Nelson’s challenge to participate in a 10-fast from social media, which was similar to one he issued to the youth on June 3, 2018:Many women expressed appreciation for President Nelson’s posted reassurance that “the Lord is happy with any effort we make to draw closer to Him.” “If you have struggled with any of them,” he said in his post, “please don’t be hard on yourself. You can start today.”“1. Participate in a 10-day fast from social media and any other media that bring negative and impure thoughts to your mind.“Pres. Nelson, thank you for the challenge of reading the Book of Mormon,” Connie Harrison shared in her reply. “I started the next morning. Little did I know that later that week I would be diagnosed with cancer. I have loved my time with those wonderful prophets and their teachings. Every morning I have found something to help me through one more day of my battle with this disease.”“The social media fast helped me gain grater self control, clarity of mind, find my creativity again and connect with my children more,” Tali Hall commented.“4. Participate fully in Relief Society.”“2. Read the Book of Mormon by the end of 2018.<img alt="" data-id="96650733817557740000-eng" src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/24/620-invitation%20to%20respond%20post.png"/>“I am eager to hear about what you have learned as you have focused on these four invitations,” he said, expressing his hope “that each of these invitations has brought you closer to the Savior.”“Thank you for being merciful and encouraging in your comments!” Rachel Williams Keppner responded, explaining that her husband’s prolonged hospitalization kept her from reading the Book of Mormon as much as she had planned. “Your kind words have reminded me that the Lord understands and is very familiar with my life circumstances.”Women also expressed increased appreciation for opportunities to attend the temple and participate in Relief Society.“Thank you President Nelson for your challenges,” posted Khand Tenney. “Attending the temple more regularly has blessed my life. I’ve been able to strengthen my faith and testimony of personal revelation and how much the Lord loves me to provide for us His holy temples. I’m very grateful to the Lord for a living prophet.”Several mothers posted about their experiences reading the Book of Mormon with their daughters.“3. Establish a pattern of regular temple attendance.Amy Menlove Parker said she read the Book of Mormon with her 11- and 9-year-old daughters. “We read along and marked as we listened on the library app. We paused regularly to talk about words or events that confused them. Sometimes we’d get behind and have to spend an hour catching up. Sometimes I didn’t want to do it and they pushed me and sometimes i pushed them. It was a team effort. It was cherished mother/daughter time.”“I wish to thank you all for responding to my invitations. Your experiences with these challenges have been varied but meaningful,” he said.In <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lds.russell.m.nelson/photos/a.607086232692150/2045509172183175/?type=3&amp;theater"><u>Facebook</u></a> and <u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsBHPbCBt17/">Instagram</a></u> posts published at the end of December, President Nelson asked women of the Church to “report what you have learned as you have focused on these four invitations.” President Russell M. Nelson’s Instagram post at the end of December requesting comments about women’s experiences with his four challenges generated more than 5,700 comments.More than 4,500 women on <u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=russell%20m%20nelson&amp;epa=SEARCH_BOX">Facebook</a></u> and 5,700 on <u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsBHPbCBt17/">Instagram</a></u> responded, representing many ages and backgrounds and all sharing unique experiences and feelings.Participating in the challenges helped many women cope with personal trials such as strained relationships, poor health, infertility, and cancer diagnoses.More than 10,000 women have responded to President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/russell-m-nelson?lang=eng">Russell M. Nelson</a>’s call to report on their experiences with the <u><a href="https://www.ldschurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2018-10-06/president-russell-m-nelson-sisters-participation-in-the-gathering-of-israel-48175">four challenges to the women of the Church</a></u> he issued during the <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2018/10/sisters-participation-in-the-gathering-of-israel?lang=eng">October 2018 general women’s session</a> as part of his invitation to help gather Israel.Makenzie Richey said, “As I have attended the temple regularly, my week days seem to be filled with more hours to get everything done I need to. I’ve been able to feel greater peace in my life and my priorities align more with my Savior’s! I have truly felt His love.”</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/thousands-of-women-report-their-experiences-with-prophets-4-challenges?lang=eng#3435270586Sat, 26 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
St. George Temple to Close in 2019 for Extensive Renovations
https://www.lds.org/church/news/st-george-temple-to-close-in-2019-for-extensive-renovations?lang=eng
<p><a href="https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/st--george-temple-closing-november-4--2019" class="sense-link">Read the full article on Newsroom here.</a>In 1871, President Brigham Young announced a temple <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/archive/2014-05-24/brigham-young-wilford-woodruff-and-the-st-george-temple-41011" class="sense-link">would be built in St. George</a>, although at the time only 1,100 Latter-day Saints lived there and were in extreme poverty. The St. George Utah Temple was the first temple to be completed in Utah and was originally dedicated in 1877—a decade and a half before the Salt Lake Temple.According to <a href="https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/st--george-temple-closing-november-4--2019" class="sense-link">Newsroom</a>, the renovation will be extensive and include “structural, mechanical, electrical, finish, and plumbing work.”The Cedar City Utah Temple, <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-eyring-dedicates-cedar-city-utah-temple-the-17th-in-utah?lang=eng">dedicated</a> by President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/henry-b-eyring?lang=eng">Henry B. Eyring</a> of the First Presidency on December 10, 2017, is the nearest temple to the St. George Temple, some 50 miles away.Temples in Logan and Manti followed and also preceded the Salt Lake Temple.According to Elder Bruce C. Hafen, former president of the St. George Temple and an emeritus General Authority Seventy, the building was <span class="sense-link">one of the most important</span> in this dispensation (in addition to the Kirtland and Nauvoo Temples), helping to bring about the restoration of priesthood keys and ordinances. It was in the St. George Temple that temple ordinances were “put into a written form for the first time,” according to a <em>Church News</em> article.Renovations to the St. George Utah Temple are expected to be completed in 2022. Wilford Woodruff was the first president of the St. George Temple, which was dedicated in 1877. Photo by Kenneth Mays.In July 2018, the <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/st-george-tabernacle-rededication-a-time-to-reflect-remember-pay-tribute?lang=eng"><span class="sense-link">St. George Tabernacle was rededicated</span></a> by Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/jeffrey-r-holland?lang=eng">Jeffrey R. Holland</a> of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles after a two-year renovation. At the time of the rededication, the building was nearly 150 years old and was originally dedicated 1876, just prior to the temple.The <a href="https://www.lds.org/temples/details/st.-george-utah-temple?lang=eng">St. George Utah Temple</a> of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will close on November 4 for renovations.During the October 2018 general conference, President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/russell-m-nelson?lang=eng">Russell M. Nelson</a> announced plans to <span class="sense-link">renovate the Salt Lake Temple and other pioneer-era temples</span> as well as build 12 new temples.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/st-george-temple-to-close-in-2019-for-extensive-renovations?lang=eng#3319804787Fri, 25 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Great-Great-Grandmother Achieves Young Womanhood Recognition at 83
https://www.lds.org/church/news/great-great-grandmother-achieves-young-womanhood-recognition-at-83?lang=eng
<p>“As I marked all the attributes of Christ, I realized that all the Book of Mormon prophets, as well as our latter-day prophets, have those same attributes,” Weeks said. “I’m so glad I did it. It has helped me stay focused on Christ and has greatly increased my gratitude for my Savior, for His gospel, and for His great love and atoning sacrifice for me.”After three years, Weeks reached her goal—happy, faithful, and youthful as ever. Her son Kenneth was honored to present her award in December 2018. Weeks said she is grateful for what the Personal Progress program has done for her. Jerene Weeks, who recently received her award, certainly qualifies as happy and faithful. But “young” might be replaced with “youthful,” because Weeks is 83—with a posterity totaling 101 (8 children, 32 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild).When you think of someone receiving her <a href="https://www.lds.org/young-women/personal-progress/young-womanhood-recognition?lang=eng">Young Womanhood Recognition</a>, you might think of a young, happy, faithful teenager who has completed all the <a href="https://www.lds.org/young-women/personal-progress?lang=eng">Personal Progress</a> requirements.Weeks said one of her most faith-promoting experiences was reading and studying the Book of Mormon. Following President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/russell-m-nelson?lang=eng">Russell M. Nelson</a>’s <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2018/10/sisters-participation-in-the-gathering-of-israel?lang=eng">invitation</a> to read the <a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/book-of-mormon?lang=eng">Book of Mormon</a> and mark all the references to Christ, she completed the challenge in just 38 days. Weeks had another spiritual experience while visiting a <a href="https://www.familysearch.org/locations/">family history center</a> with the young women. During that visit, Weeks found 18 ancestors (12 women and 6 men) who needed temple work. Weeks completed the temple ordinances, including baptisms, for all 12 women. Her son David helped with the ordinances for the men.Of course, the young women in her ward were an important part of Weeks’s participation in the program. They encouraged her, and she encouraged them too—teaching them how to direct music, sew, decorate cakes, and bake bread and pies. When Weeks called Christiansen to report that she had completed the requirements, Christiansen and her two teenage daughters cheered. Following this counsel, Weeks put a plan in motion. For Young Women leaders, the Personal Progress requirements are not quite as rigorous as they are for the young women. However, Weeks would settle for nothing less than doing everything required of the young women—reading all the required scriptures, watching all the videos, and completing all the projects and other requirements.“Sister Weeks has been such an example of hard work and growth, not only to the girls but to the leaders as well,” Christiansen said. “She has worked very hard and poured herself into the Personal Progress program. We are so excited for her to get her medallion. All the girls say they want to be Sister Weeks when they grow up.” Why would someone 64 years past her teenage years undertake such a challenge? Weeks serves as the Young Women secretary in her Logan, Utah, ward, and three years ago, her Young Women president, Heidi Christiansen, told the presidency that if they expected their young women to complete the Personal Progress requirements, the Young Women presidency ought to set the example. </p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/great-great-grandmother-achieves-young-womanhood-recognition-at-83?lang=eng#1459853035Fri, 25 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Elder Christofferson Encourages Students to Look Outward at Southern Virginia University Address
https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-christofferson-encourages-students-to-look-outward-at-southern-virginia-university-address?lang=eng
<p>Because God has promised to forgive His people as often as they repent, Elder Christofferson taught that no one ought to become discouraged (see <a href="http://classic.scriptures.lds.org/en/mosiah/26/30a" target="_blank">Mosiah 26:30</a>). “There’s not an upward limit; there’s not a quota,” he said. “You don’t get just 12 tries or 100, you get whatever it takes.”“I believe he said to her, ‘Eve, you are pretty naïve and don’t know very much. That’s why you need that tree; you don’t know what I know.’ … Here’s the lie: this is the tree of knowledge of good and evil. It is not the tree of wisdom. … People will try to convince you that you’re not very bright, that you haven’t been around the block or that you’re not old enough—but you have sufficient to know the right path to choose, and you do have the truth,” she said.According to Elder Christofferson, engaging in God’s work and earning His trust requires focusing outwardly rather than on ourselves.He cited the Savior’s promise, “Whosoever [shall] lose his life for my sake shall find it” (<a href="http://classic.scriptures.lds.org/en/matt/16/25b" target="_blank">Matthew 16:25</a>). Conversely, Elder Christofferson cautioned that “if we are caring only about our well-being, our comfort, and ourselves, in the end, that’s a recipe for losing happiness and our possibilities and potential in life.”“Gathering is an essential part, truly, of how the Lord does His work,” he said. “Lift—that really is, if you could summarize it in one word, the purpose of the gathering—that we lift and are lifted, that we develop, that we become stronger, that we have greater capacity, that we have greater understanding. … And then launch—do something with it. Have I done any good in the world today? Have I made a difference? Have I served? Have I helped in the Lord’s redemptive work?” Elder D. Todd Christofferson addresses students, faculty, and staff about participating in the Lord’s work in the Knight Arena at Southern Virginia University on Friday, January 11, 2019. Photo by Brinn Willis.“As you seek to be trustworthy in the Lord’s eyes, settle it in your heart, once and for all, that you will do the things that He commands and teaches,” he said (see <a href="http://classic.scriptures.lds.org/en/luke/14/27a" target="_blank">Luke 14:27</a>, note (b) JST Luke 14:28).Sister Christofferson spoke about finding truth and recognizing the adversary’s lies. “When you’re young, you need to be aware of how the devil works and functions,” she said.Elder Christofferson also focused on the theme of “gather, lift, and launch,” which forms the basis of Southern Virginia University’s <a href="http://svu.edu/about/milestones/">mission statement</a>. Reading from <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/gen/3.22?lang=eng#21" target="_blank">Genesis 3</a>, Sister Christofferson shared her perspective about how Satan belittled Eve in order to convince her to eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. “Don’t be discouraged if perfection eludes you for the next several millennia,” he continued. “I don’t know how long it takes. It won’t happen by the end of this life for sure, but as you progress on the path, He will be with you. He will forgive, He will extend mercy, He will lift, and His Spirit will be given to you to guide and sustain and direct you.”Elder Christofferson spoke about the blessing of social media but also warned against letting it become a distraction.Emphasizing the importance of Christ’s command to take up one’s cross daily (see <a href="http://classic.scriptures.lds.org/en/luke/9/23a" target="_blank">Luke 9:23</a>), Elder Christofferson challenged those at the devotional to make an enduring decision to follow God and keep His commandments. God brings about the redemption of His children from physical and spiritual death, Elder Christofferson taught, as well as redemption from things like poverty, ignorance, and suffering. “All of it is work that you and I are invited to participate in,” he said. “Yes, He loves us, but can He trust us?”“It is certainly a blessing in our lives to have that capacity in our hands,” he said. “But it is possible to be so absorbed and so focused on the entertainment aspects of it that it becomes inward looking—that is, you cannot focus on things and people and needs beyond what may show up on the screen. I hope that you can use it and not let it use you—that you can use it to help you think about and relate to other people.”Elder and Sister Christofferson were accompanied by Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/randall-k-bennett?lang=eng">Randall K. Bennett</a> of the Seventy, who assists in supervising the North America Northeast Area, and his wife, Sister Shelley Bennett. They shared their testimonies about the power of listening to the voice of the Savior and how prayer and reading the <a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/book-of-mormon?lang=eng">Book of Mormon</a> bring relief from anxiety and despair. In an address at Southern Virginia University on January 11, 2019, Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/d-todd-christofferson?lang=eng">D. Todd Christofferson</a> and his wife, Sister Katherine Christofferson, spoke to more than 1,250 students, faculty, and staff about God’s invitation to assist in His work of redemption. Elder Randall K. Bennett of the Seventy, Sister Shelley Bennett, Sister Katherine Christofferson, and Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at Southern Virginia University on Friday, January 11, 2019. Photo by Brinn Willis.“That is not an easy thing to do at any point in your life. It’s especially difficult, perhaps, now, as you worry about the future,” he said.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-christofferson-encourages-students-to-look-outward-at-southern-virginia-university-address?lang=eng#2042520984Fri, 25 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Members Find Meaning Serving in Bulgaria-Central Eurasian Mission
https://www.lds.org/church/news/members-find-meaning-serving-in-bulgaria-central-eurasian-mission?lang=eng
<p><em>These three stories—ranging from a Bulgarian couple who joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints about 25 years ago to an American couple serving in the mission office—show how Church members have found meaningful ways to serve in the Bulgaria-Central Eurasian Mission.</em>He worked as a guard at the U.S. Embassy but says that his ease with English helps him every day. His mathematical abilities were greatly aided by having Boryana as his math tutor when he was earning a master’s of electrical science. After graduating from the University of Sofia, Boryana taught math for 10 years and is now a data processing specialist in a research company. Her husband works as head of maintenance at a private school.In 1991, then-Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/russell-m-nelson?lang=eng">Russell M. Nelson</a>, who was serving in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-nelson-retraces-his-footsteps-during-visit-to-eastern-europe?lang=eng">dedicated Bulgaria</a> for the preaching of the gospel, shortly after communism fell in Eastern Europe, according to President Davis. Since then, there have been nearly 3,000 baptisms, and the Church has had as many as 13 meeting locations around the country, including some in rented building space.“We need senior couples in every one of our centers of strength,” Sister Davis said. Her husband noted that almost all the younger people in the country speak English, so language should not be a concern for those willing to serve.Plamen was the first native Bulgarian called to serve as a missionary in his own country. He calls his fluent English “one of the gifts I received from my mission.” When he was set apart, he wondered why he was given the gift of tongues in the blessing, since he already spoke Bulgarian. But when he stepped into the foyer immediately afterward and encountered American missionaries, he was astonished to be able to understand every word of English they spoke.Running a mission office for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is second nature to Elder Morgan Lynch and Sister Jan Lynch, who are serving for the fourth time in 10 years as an office couple.What about speaking Bulgarian?<strong>Faithful Bulgarian members share love for the gospel</strong>“We felt like we should serve foreign if we could, and our health has allowed us to,” Sister Lynch said. “The Church is in great need of office couples in these countries.” She and her husband agree that couples should be helping the president so that the young missionaries are free to find and teach prospective converts rather than dealing with office matters.The Lynches take care of all the temporal details such as missionary housing, vehicles, finances, and administrative reports, leaving the missionaries and the mission work to President Stephen Davis and his wife, Sister Mary Davis. The Lynches also assist the mission’s 34 missionaries with travels and transfers.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/21/350-blessed-in-bulgaria-church-members-serving-in-bulgaria-share_3.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Sister Jan Lynch and Elder Morgan Lynch feel their best work in supporting the mission is in the office. They serve in Sofia, Bulgaria. Photo by Laurie Williams Sowby.</p>
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He tears up when he shares his testimony: “I love God and my Savior. The gospel really helps me to be a better person. Now I know my prayers of years ago have been answered.”
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/21/350-blessed-in-bulgaria-church-members-serving-in-bulgaria-share_2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Boryana and Plamen Penev, who each joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Bulgaria in 1992, were married in 1997. Photo by Laurie Williams Sowby.</p>
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Most recently from Midway, Utah, the Lynches have previously served in mission offices in Lagos, Nigeria; Milan, Italy; and Wellington, New Zealand.<strong>Despite challenges, miracles happen in Bulgaria-Central Eurasian Mission</strong>“We’ve had some miracles” as struggling branches have been consolidated into centers of strength, President Davis said. “When we closed down one branch, an entire family became active again.”“It is so marvelous to see how technology has helped,” Sister Davis said. She related how Turkish-speaking sisters who have been reassigned to Bulgaria are still teaching contacts in Turkey via Skype. “The Lord knows how to get through blockades!”When President Stephen Davis and Sister Mary Davis arrived in Istanbul, Turkey, in July 2017, from Riverside, California, they expected to be there for three years, heading the Central Eurasian Mission.Sister Davis said, “We’ve challenged our missionaries to have at least 10 conversations per day (that’s 20 per companionship) with people who are not members of the Church, and we’ve seen a spike in interest about the Church.”The Lynches raised their six children in San Jose, California, while running a CPA firm. Elder Lynch officially retired in October 2008, and they entered the missionary training center the following Monday for their first mission.Noting that a grandson who recently left to serve in Mexico mentioned the example of his grandparents’ service in his sacrament meeting talk, Elder Lynch said, “The grandkids see and appreciate our service.”Plamen and Boryana Penev sit in a small living room that tells a story.The branch presidency makes a personal visit at least once a month to each participating group.President Davis said that with few priesthood holders among local members and a complement of 34 missionaries, it isn’t always feasible to send missionaries to oversee sacrament meeting in distant towns.Married nearly 22 years, they live in the same apartment Boryana grew up in. A wall of shelves and cabinets display part of the collection of geodes that were her father’s. Delicate lace crocheted by her grandmother is displayed beneath glass on the living room table.Over the years, Bulgaria has sent 75 missionaries into the field, but only 28 of those returned missionaries currently live in their home country. The combination of less-active Church members and families with few children (Bulgaria’s population is not at replacement rate) affects growth for the Church.Neither the mission president, his wife, nor missionaries wear name tags in the Bulgaria-Central Eurasian Mission to avoid contention with residents. Mission boundaries include Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, but there are only a few hundred members in Turkey and the other countries. It is part of the Church’s Europe East Area.As second counselor in the Sofia Branch (and having already served twice as branch president), Plamen believes the best way Church members in Bulgaria can help their country is to be good, strong members.As the Davises sit side-by-side in the spacious mission office in a building that also houses a chapel and missionary apartment, their appreciation for the hard-working missionaries under their care is evident. They’re eager to share the latest success story.Boryana, who teaches <a href="https://www.lds.org/callings/primary?lang=eng">Primary</a> classes for children ages 3–8, said, “The gospel gives me peace and safety” and helps her feel valued.“I can see how the gospel helps families, and I can reflect that to the people,” he said.“We’re trying to change things” President Davis said. “We have incredible, hardworking missionaries and wonderful faithful Saints here in Bulgaria.” Months later, in April 2018, Bulgaria was added to the mission, and headquarters moved to its capital, Sofia, along with the Davises. At the end of April 2018, all the <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-temporarily-reassigns-volunteers-in-turkey?lang=eng">missionaries were removed from Turkey </a>and assigned elsewhere.Economic opportunity has drawn many away from their native land, and Bulgaria has about 2,400 members today. In addition, Sister Davis said, most people in Bulgaria are Orthodox by birth and baptism, and converts are not used to the amount of time required by an active Latter-day Saint lifestyle.“As we’ve been obedient in consolidating into centers of strength and following our leaders’ counsel to talk to more people every day, miracles are happening everywhere,” President Davis said.Thanks to technology, they are able to speak with their daughter every day. One of the great blessings of the gospel, Plamen adds, is that “our daughter was raised a good girl and is now a good woman.”Missionary work is deeply personal to Elder Lynch, who joined the Church as a BYU student. He was baptized in the fall of 1965, and the couple was sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in December 1966. Sister Lynch shares his compassion for newly baptized converts: “It must be very difficult to be the first in your generation.”SOFIA, BULGARIAFour of the six couples serving in Bulgaria, including those reassigned from Turkey, will soon return home. The Davises hope their places will be filled.This time, they started out in January 2018 in Istanbul, Turkey, but were asked to transfer to the Sofia, Bulgaria, office in March and all missionaries in Turkey were reassigned in April. Sofia is headquarters for the Bulgaria-Central Eurasian Mission whose boundaries include Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, in addition to Bulgaria.The mission—comprising 24 elders and 10 sisters—is using technology to connect with members, missionaries, and those they’re teaching throughout Bulgaria and beyond. Six missionaries who are Turkish-speaking are using technology to reach out to those who speak Turkish in distant locations. There’s an old photo of their daughter, Severina, now 21 and away at a university in Wales pursuing her studies in genetics. There are stacks of books on mathematics and science from their own studies. And there are multiple copies of the <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng" target="_blank">Book of Mormon</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bible?lang=eng" target="_blank">Bible</a>, and other <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures?lang=eng">Latter-day Saint scripture</a>.Plamen describes himself as “golden” when he first met missionaries in the city’s train station in 1992, not long after communism fell in Eastern Europe and many Christian churches entered Bulgaria. He had been praying just the day before to know if God existed: “If you’re there, show me how to find you!” He recognized the missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as soon as he saw them; they taught him for 2 1/2 months before he was baptized.Meanwhile, his future wife, whom he hadn’t yet met, also joined the Church in 1992. When missionaries knocked on the door and her grandfather wasn’t home, they left a card with their phone number on it. Her mother called the elders and was baptized along with Boryana a few weeks later.The senior couples in their mission presently include a humanitarian couple and four member-leadership-support couples in addition to the Lynches.“The language should not stop anyone from serving,” Sister Lynch said. “We get by just fine with English.” She said they appreciate the variety of experiences they’ve had serving as a couple and value the lifelong friendships they’ve made with other senior couples.<strong>Senior missionary couple finds joy serving in Bulgaria</strong></p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/members-find-meaning-serving-in-bulgaria-central-eurasian-mission?lang=eng#2931240142Thu, 24 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Looking Back: How the Gift of Water Blessed African Lives
https://www.lds.org/church/news/looking-back-how-the-gift-of-water-blessed-african-lives?lang=eng
<p>For some reason, his description has stuck with me over the years. I often think about what the Church is doing to bring clean water to people in Africa and other places.It was a day of rejoicing. I understood what Ike had felt when he talked about watching water flow from the tap in his kitchen.The village had no electricity. Villagers found entertainment in the playing of drums, joining neighbors in traditional West African dances and songs, and visiting one another. All in all, it was a pleasant place, with views of gently sloping hills in the distance, a school, and very friendly residents. With no display of timidity, children ran to greet us.I remember Ike telling me about many water projects, some involving laying miles of pipes for transporting spring water or digging boreholes for village wells. He described how women and children in some African villages made daily treks to rivers to bring water to their homes. The women usually carried five-gallon containers on their heads; their young children trailed behind them carrying smaller buckets or jugs of water.For many years I wrote articles about the <a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/welfare?lang=eng">Church welfare program</a>. One of my primary sources was Ike Ferguson, who held several titles, including director of international welfare and humanitarian services. He spent a lot of time in Africa working on behalf of the Church to bring relief, supplies, and support to countless people suffering from famine or the effects of drought or other challenges on the continent.I don’t remember the facts and figures of how many tons of grain or the number of wheelchairs or shipments of medicine and medical equipment that were sent by humanitarian services, which worked with government and nongovernment organizations and other faith groups.In 2004, I had the opportunity to witness a ceremony in which <a href="https://www.ldscharities.org/">LDS Charities</a> handed over two boreholes, or fresh water wells, to the village of Katapor. Derl and Erma Walker, who were serving as LDS Charities directors in Ghana, gave David Pickup, a photographer, and me a ride. Although Katapor was only 40 miles from Accra, Ghana, the drive took two hours, the last stretch over a narrow and bumpy dirt road.No Latter-day Saints lived in the village, yet the program’s opening hymn was a Church standard, “<a href="https://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/the-spirit-of-god?lang=eng">The Spirit of God</a>.” The program began and ended with prayers.During one of the interviews, I asked Ike to tell me what he thought about when he returned home from his assignments. He said that one time he walked into the kitchen and turned on the water tap and then stood there for a few moments. He looked at the flow of clean, clear water. He thought of how fortunate, how blessed, he was to have such water so readily and abundantly available.After the program’s speeches, singing, and dancing, the villagers and visitors walked a short distance to the boreholes fitted with hand pumps. As everyone crowded around a concrete square surrounding the boreholes, Ike removed a cloth that covered one of the pumps. A girl began pumping; water flowed into a plastic pail which, when full, was lifted by a young woman onto the head of another girl, who then walked with it to the Ga chiefs and tribal council members. In turn the village and district officials dipped a glass into the bucket, held it up to inspect the clear water and took a sip. One by one, each nodded, pronouncing the water “good.” Villagers then lined up to get a drink of water.Everyone was in a festive mood; the ceremony that day marked the end of villagers having to walk a half mile or so to draw from a polluted river water for drinking, cooking, and bathing.“Many women are stooped over by their late 30s or 40s,” he said.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/17/350-gift-of-water-blesses-african-lives_1.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> A young girl works the hand pump to start the flow of water into a bucket at a ceremony on January 8, 2004, in which Latter-day Saint Charities handed two boreholes (fresh water wells) over to Ghana’s village of Katapor. Two other girls wait to present the water to village and district dignitaries. Photo by David M. W. Pickup.</p>
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https://www.lds.org/church/news/looking-back-how-the-gift-of-water-blessed-african-lives?lang=eng#3336913710Thu, 24 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
The Blessings of Following the Spirit, 58 Years Later
https://www.lds.org/church/news/the-blessings-of-following-the-spirit-58-years-later?lang=eng
<p>Getting permission from their parents, who had no interest in the Church themselves, proved difficult, but for three of them, their parents finally consented.Lindberg, always a quiet one, as Sandgren described her, settled in New Jersey with her husband, Larry Crickenberg.“I love the Church,” Pettersson said. “I love the gospel and the people.”Shortly after being baptized, Vizulis moved to Idaho and attended Ricks College while helping translate and prepare language materials for missionaries going to Sweden. There she met and married her husband, David Jaussi.<strong>A series of conversions</strong>“We kept going and then they invited us to church. All the people just took us right in and made us feel welcome and so we kept going all the time,” Pettersson said.Of the four girls, Johansson was the only one to remain living in Sweden. She married a man, Bert Mattsson, from the Göteborg Branch and together they have served faithfully, working to build the Church in Sweden. “We have done this conversion for ourselves,” Johansson said. “Living in Sweden isn’t the easiest thing when it comes to religion.”When she finished her studies in Germany, she returned to Sweden. At that time, President Omer contacted her—knowing she had studied languages—and asked if she would accept an opportunity to move to America and help translate and create mission plans and lessons for missionaries learning Swedish. Vizulis was thrilled at the opportunity to go to America but felt that she needed to be baptized first.Shocked by such a direct request, Vizulis said the two elders nearly fainted. But they agreed, and in May 1962, she was baptized. A small reunion at the Slaters’ home in Heber, Utah. From left: Tom Slater, Lisbeth Pettersson Slater, Gordon Olson, Bert Mattsson, and Dee Sandgren. The Mattssons visited the U.S. for several months in 2010. Olsen and Sandgren were missionaries who taught Lisbeth in Sweden in 1960. Photo courtesy of Lisbeth Petersson Slater.The first night the girls showed up for the class, they found two young men, Americans, there to teach the class. They were welcomed in and sat down, but were surprised moments later when the two young men requested to begin with a prayer.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/22/350-the-blessings-of-following-the-spirit_5.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Daila Vizulis Jaussi and Margareta Johansson Mattson smile together in 2015. Photo courtesy of Margareta Johansson.</p>
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It wasn’t long before the four girls were integrated into their new group of friends and attending Church meetings each week, including <a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/1973/01/news-of-the-church/first-presidency-announces-priesthood-mia-programs?lang=eng">MIA activities</a> with the youth of the Gothenberg Branch.President Omer promised to discuss the matter with the European mission president, and after a week or so, he phoned to tell Elder Sandgren and his companion, Elder Gordon Olson, that they had permission to teach the girls on the conditions that they get permission from the girls’ parents and teach the girls in the home of an active member.Family and home life was not easy for Vizulis or her friend Margareta Johansson, who lived in her same building. Both their parents were divorced, and as Johansson described it, “we had bad times, but we found each other.”“My assumption for weeks thereafter that was that they were active members because they were there every week,” Sandgren said. “Then I started asking questions and that’s when I found out that none of them had been baptized.”“I feel like I have grown into the gospel all my life. It wasn’t one big thing; it has been thousands of small spiritual things that have told me that the gospel is really true,” Johansson said. “I can only answer for myself, but life has been really great for me since then.”<strong>Lives centered in the gospel</strong>“Dee was the only one that persisted,” Pettersson said, noting her gratitude for his efforts to baptize them.Looking back on all that has changed over the years since meeting those four girls in Sweden, Sandgren said he couldn't help but feel awed by the workings of the Lord.“Each of them has continuously held on to the iron rod,” Sandgren said, noting that despite the fact that none of their parents ever joined the Church, the women have built strong and faithful families of their own, and each has done the temple work for their families.Vizulis, Pettersson, and Lindberg all eventually moved to the U.S.“We’ve always been active because I’ve just always said that when you believe, you believe. That’s it,” she said.“They were active all of their adult lives, but he died a number of years ago and she followed him in death a few years ago,” Sandgren said.Together with their friend Lisbeth Pettersson, the girls had dreams of one day moving to America together and starting a whole new life. They were learning English in school, but when Vizulis saw an advertisement for free classes in American-style English, she was excited to share the news with her friends.<strong>The right place at the right time</strong><strong>A missionary’s invitation</strong>Each woman has individually maintained contact with one another and with Sandgren over the years, exchanging emails, Christmas cards, and occasional visits or reunions of sorts.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/22/350-the-blessings-of-following-the-spirit_4.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> From left: Lisbeth Pettersson Slater, Dee Sandgren, and Margareta Johansson Mattsson stand in front of Salt Lake City Temple in 2010. Photo courtesy of Margareta Johansson.</p>
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Pettersson moved to the U.S. and met her future husband, Tom Slater, in 1965. The two were married in 1966.“When I went to church, I didn’t understand anything going on,” Sandgren said, recalling how uncomfortable he felt in his first few days there. “But then these four girls came up and spoke to me because they wanted to practice their English.”At age 14, Daila Vizulis came across a small newspaper advertisement that would change the lives of her and two of her close friends forever.A group of youth, including several young men, from the nearby <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-and-sister-renlund-tell-young-adults-to-let-faith-not-doubt-drive-questions?lang=eng">Göteborg</a> Branch of the Church, heard of the group of girls attending the English classes in the Hisingen Branch and began attending the classes as well to meet the girls. Lisbeth Pettersson, center left, with family and friends at the airport before leaving for America in 1964. Left to right: Lena Lindberg, Gull-brit Bjorklund, Lisbeth Pettersson, Ann-Marie Pettersson, a work friend, Margareta Johansson, Alice Pettersson, and former coworkers. Photo courtesy of Lisbeth Petersson Slater.“They have accomplished these wonderful things because of their close companionship with their Heavenly Father, their righteous husbands, and their priceless children and grandchildren,” Sandgren said. They all came from different and somewhat difficult backgrounds, and their family lives weren’t easy, Sandgren explained. But the gospel was a positive influence for all of them.“It’s not that I had anything to do with their conversions, because they really came pre-converted, but I felt like I was an older brother to them, and I felt that was important,” Sandgren said. “I just happened to be in the right place at the right time, but they are the ones that have strengthened me.”When Sandgren found out the girls hadn’t been baptized, he reached out to his mission president, President A. Gideon Omer, to ask if he could teach the girls and prepare them for baptism. President Omer declined the request initially, but Sandgren wasn’t willing to give up so easily. He watched the girls regularly attend Church meetings and MIA activities for a few more weeks and then reached out to President Omer again.Sandgren said that part of why he stayed in contact with all of them over the years, as well as with others he taught on his mission, was that he felt an obligation to see to their spiritual well-being.“The Spirit kept whispering to me that those girls should be baptized. … The next time I saw my mission president I asked him again about the girls,” Sandgren said.Thrilled to finally be able to teach the four girls who had made such a strong impression on him, Sandgren said, “We taught them the discussions and discovered they already had testimonies and desired membership.”Johansson was baptized first, in August 1960, followed by Pettersson and Lindberg in September. Vizulis, however, was unable to get permission from her parents to be baptized. But despite being unable to officially join the Church, Vizulis felt strongly that the Church was where she needed to be and kept attending. Even after leaving Sweden to study in Germany for time, Vizulis found the Church and walked to meetings each week.A little over a year later, in July of 1960, a young Dee Sandgren arrived in Gothenburg as a new missionary. On his first Sunday there, Elder Sandgren didn’t speak a word of Swedish—the language training programs and <a href="https://www.lds.org/callings/missionary/missionary-training-centers?lang=eng">missionary training centers</a> for the Church were not yet established at that time.Thinking back on how much the four girls have influenced his life, Sandgren said, “I am so grateful that I listened to those whisperings of the Spirit 58 years ago and that I acted upon them. Their families have inspired and added joy and an eternal dimension to my life.”Sandgren was excited to be able to communicate with the girls, but something else about Vizulis, Johansson, Pettersson, and Lindberg made them stand out to Sandgren.But the religious aspect of the class was minimal and the girls wanted to learn English, so they kept attending for several weeks. It was there that they met another young woman named Lena Lindberg, who had started attending the classes to help with her English—a subject in school with which she had trouble—and through their time together, the four girls became good friends. Lindberg had been invited to the class by a set of sister missionaries who had visited her house one day. Her mother encouraged her to attend and improve her English.Over 55 years have passed since Sandegren first met these four girls. Their lives have all gone in different directions, but each has remained faithful in the gospel and their contact with one another over the years has helped them to grow together.“No one had asked us,” Johansson said. “We just came, and we were so young, so we weren’t too serious about the gospel. We just went for friends. But after a while, of course, we started to think about things and felt the Spirit, … but we just grew into it in different ways.”“I was then 18 years old and no longer needed permission from my parents,” Vizulis explained. “So one day I was on a streetcar and I saw two missionaries. I approached them and asked if one of them would baptize me. … You should have seen the look on their faces.”As Johansson recalled, Sandgren was frustrated when he found out the girls hadn’t been baptized.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/the-blessings-of-following-the-spirit-58-years-later?lang=eng#1463508199Thu, 24 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Music and the Spoken Word: Nelson Mandela Reminds Us Saints Are Sinners Who Keep on Trying
https://www.lds.org/church/news/music-and-the-spoken-word-nelson-mandela-reminds-us-saints-are-sinners-who-keep-on-trying?lang=eng
<p>Nelson Mandela’s rare combination of courage and kindness made him one of the world’s most beloved leaders and citizens. But Mandela remained modest and unassuming, often reminding people, “I am not a saint—unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying” (<a href="https://www.bakerinstitute.org/events/1221/">Baker Institute for Public Policy address</a>, Rice University, Oct. 26, 1999).Mandela’s words should reassure and encourage each of us. We all know that we aren’t perfect; we know we have room for much improvement. But if we just keep trying, we can change for the better. In that trying, our hearts begin to change and open to others. We become more accepting and generous, more loving and caring. And in the end, isn’t that what it means to be a saint?<em>Editor’s note: The “spoken word” is shared by Lloyd Newell each Sunday during the weekly Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square broadcast. The following was given January 20, 2019.</em><strong>Tuning in</strong>Nelson Mandela spent nearly 27 years of his life in prison, from age 45 to age 71, for his efforts to end racial segregation in South Africa. Then, in what some people consider a modern miracle, Mandela became his country’s first black—and first democratically elected—president (see “Biography of Nelson Mandela” on <a href="https://www.nelsonmandela.org/content/page/biography">nelsonmandela.org</a>). But perhaps a greater miracle was his forgiveness of those who had imprisoned him.Because Nelson Mandela kept on trying, the world today is a better place than it was. But there is still room for improvement. And fair-minded, good-hearted people all around the world are still working to make a positive difference for others. Great leaders and citizens of the past and present know that human rights and human dignity are at the core of our shared humanity. They may not consider themselves saints, but they are, because they keep on trying—to love, to forgive, to welcome, and to embrace all the diverse and unique people of the world.As Nelson Mandela so clearly showed, saintliness is not just about improving ourselves. It’s about blessing the world around us. To do that, we certainly need to “keep on trying.” We need to recognize our shared humanity and treat all people with dignity and respect. We need to stand up not only for our own rights but also for the rights of others. We need to champion fairness and equality and oppose injustice and prejudice wherever we find it.The <em>Music and the Spoken Word</em> broadcast is available on KSL-TV, KSL Radio 1160 AM/102.7 FM, <a href="http://ksl.com/">ksl.com</a>, KSL X-stream, BYU-TV, BYU Radio, BYU-TV International, CBS Radio Network, Dish Network, DirecTV, SiriusXM Radio (Channel 143), and on the Tabernacle Choir’s <a href="http://mormontabernaclechoir.org/">website</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/MormonTabChoir">YouTube channel</a>.The program is aired live on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. on many of these outlets. Look up broadcast information by state and city at <a href="http://musicandthespokenword.org/schedules.shtml">musicandthespokenword.org</a>.What a profound statement!</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/music-and-the-spoken-word-nelson-mandela-reminds-us-saints-are-sinners-who-keep-on-trying?lang=eng#857481419Wed, 23 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
New Video Shows How One Member Overcame a 9-Year Trial of Faith
https://www.lds.org/church/news/new-video-shows-how-one-member-overcame-a-9-year-trial-of-faith?lang=eng
<p>In the video McLean says, “I started praying like I’d never prayed before. … I just begged God to talk to me. It was the first time in my life where I felt like heaven was shut. I couldn’t get past the ceiling.”In an<a href="http://www.ldsliving.com/Michael-McLean-Opens-Up-About-His-9-Year-Faith-Crisis-and-How-He-Found-His-Testimony-Again/s/83606"> LDS Living feature</a> about McLean’s trial, he said: “I kept thinking this would end—that there would be some peace that would come or some answers that would start trickling down. But they didn’t. I couldn’t believe I was saying it out loud, but I was thinking about an exit strategy. It was so painful.”<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckuIXECbB5E">Watch the full video here.</a>In a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckuIXECbB5E">new video</a> released on <a href="https://www.mormonchannel.org/">Mormon Channel</a> on January 17, 2019, Michael McLean—a well-known songwriter and playwright among The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints community—detailed a nine-year struggle with his faith when he learned to trust in God. Recounting this journey, McLean shared how his son had come out as gay and how, as a father, he was trying to find a way to best support him.McLean realized that there were times in those years of trial when God’s hand was in his life, but he hadn’t recognized it before.“And that’s when this revelation that kind of changed my life happened—that the Lord loved me so personally and so individually and so completely that He would send an answer that I would recognize could have only come from Him. … I was overwhelmed with grace.”After nine years of waiting for peace and honestly questioning if God knew him and heard his prayers, McLean recounted in the video: “I went into my study and for 10 days it was like I got downloads of songs [into my head]. … I realized that when I reviewed the 10 or 12 songs … that my answer about who Jesus was and how He felt about me … came in songs.”“I listed 25 things that had happened where the Lord was reaching out to me,” he said. “It was a discovery of the fact that for nine years, the Lord hadn’t been punishing me; … He was trying to teach me that even when I didn’t see it, His grace was trying to save me.”</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/new-video-shows-how-one-member-overcame-a-9-year-trial-of-faith?lang=eng#2410555687Wed, 23 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Singing “I Am a Child of God” to Mother Teresa Started BYU Professor’s Lifelong Connection to India, Religious Studies
https://www.lds.org/church/news/singing-i-am-a-child-of-god-to-mother-teresa-started-byu-professors-lifelong-connection-to-india-religious-studies?lang=eng
<p>“We went up to her sanctuary and sang ‘<a href="https://www.lds.org/music/library/childrens-songbook/i-am-a-child-of-god?lang=eng">I Am a Child of God</a>,’” Rutherford said. “It seemed an obvious choice for that moment, that setting, and that unique audience.”Before bidding farewell to a group of Brigham Young University students, Mother Teresa asked her visitors from distant Provo, Utah, a final question:“The influence of the temple will be felt not only by the people here in this particular part of India, but it will bless the people of the entire nation and neighboring nations,” he said.Rutherford’s ongoing research in India has also been academically informative and spiritually uplifting. The Church is recording its maiden moments in the world’s second most populous nation.It is tempting to study Latter-day Saint missionary success stories in areas of the world (think Latin America) and focus on macro-trends and continental explanations. But ultimately, each conversion happens one person at a time. Each baptism is a singular event.<em>“Would you like to sing to Jesus?”</em>And she remains inspired by the benevolent actions of Mother Teresa and her fellow nuns. “God is working in the lives of so many people—and not just those of our religion. We can learn so much from others, particularly those who are living a Christ-centered life.”<strong>2018—a pivotal year</strong>Now, in an exchange of services of sorts, Mother Teresa was asking the students to sing for the Lord.Many live the gospel at great personal sacrifice because of their love for their children and their progeny, she said. That’s why the future temple in India will “have a huge impact” on the Church in India.Rutherford fights emotion as she considers the devotional depth found in the Latter-day Saint Indians she has interviewed in her research.2018 will forever be called a blessed year for Latter-day Saints in India.Just five years before BYU’s Young Ambassadors sang for Mother Teresa, the Indian government allowed a missionary couple to establish a branch.“The experience we had spending a day with Mother Teresa was completely pivotal in my decision to study world religions,” she said.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/22/350-singing-i-am-a-child-of-god-to-mother-teresa-cast-byu-studen_5.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Mother Teresa, right, on the streets of Calcutta, India, during a 1986 visit from Brigham Young University’s Young Ambassadors. Photo courtesy of Taunalyn Rutherford.</p>
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Witnessing a Nobel Peace Prize recipient minister to some of India’s most helpless people proved career defining for the BYU dance major.“But there has been wonderful growth,” Rutherford said.Temple and family history work will connect Indian families across generations. The members know this—and they rejoice in simply knowing a temple will soon operate in their native land.“When the [Indian] members go to the temple, the result is stronger families,” Rutherford said. “They prosper, and that prosperity will increase exponentially when the temple is built and as people prepare for the temple.”Persecution is a reality for many Latter-day Saints, Rutherford said. Meanwhile, Indian cultural traditions such as arranged marriages and caste class structure could be impediments for those striving to live the gospel in full.It was the winter of 1986 in Calcutta, India, and Taunalyn Rutherford and her fellow BYU Young Ambassadors had spent several hours, unexpectedly, with the venerated Catholic nun visiting orphanages and end-of-life care facilities.Of course, there are challenges in a nation where only a tiny percentage of people follow a Christian faith.But whenever she sings “I Am a Child of God,” whether in a Primary class or at home with her own children, her thoughts inevitably return to that convent in Calcutta.Last April, President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/russell-m-nelson?lang=eng">Russell M. Nelson</a> <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/temple-announcement-changes-lives-of-members-in-russia-india-nicaragua?lang=eng">announced</a> the Church’s plans to build its first temple in India in the southern city of Bengaluru. Weeks later <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/asia-stops-of-world-tour-a-memory-we-will-never-forget-president-nelson-says?lang=eng">the Church President visited Bengaluru</a> and promised that the future temple would be a spiritual game changer.And so it is, and will continue to be, in India, Rutherford said. The growth “has been very organic—one person is baptized, who then shares the gospel with their friends and family members.”Today there are approximately 13,500 members and four stakes in India. It’s a vast understatement to say the Church remains a tiny presence in a country of over 1.3 billion people. Taunalyn Rutherford smiles with full-time missionaries serving in India. Photo courtesy of Taunalyn Rutherford. Taunalyn Rutherford, in green, stands with Relief Society sisters during academic research in New Delhi, India, in 2014. Photo courtesy of Taunalyn Rutherford.<strong>Latter-day Saint beginnings in an ancient land</strong>While the Church is undeniably young in India, it is defined by stability, Rutherford added. “They are strong members—India has one of the highest activity rates in Asia.”“It is a song that extends across cultural boundaries,” the returned missionary who served in Sweden told the <em>Church News</em>. “One of the most powerful moments in the conversion process is discovering that one is a child of God and that God the Father is there and that He cares.”Fast-forward 33 years. Rutherford is now a BYU Religious Education professor and much of her academic research has focused on the history of the Church in India.When a mission was created in 1993 in Bengaluru (under the presiding direction of India native Gucharan Singh Gill), there were just over 1,100 Latter-day Saints worshipping in 13 branches, according to Newsroom.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/singing-i-am-a-child-of-god-to-mother-teresa-started-byu-professors-lifelong-connection-to-india-religious-studies?lang=eng#1131222462Wed, 23 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Answering Primary Questions about the Church Closes Gap between Belief and Truth
https://www.lds.org/church/news/answering-primary-questions-about-the-church-closes-gap-between-belief-and-truth?lang=eng
<p>“They mistakenly try to learn the truth by process of elimination, by attempting to eliminate every doubt,” Elder Corbridge said.“Truth can be discovered by doing, which is faith,” Elder Corbridge said. “Experience plays a vital role in coming to know the truth.”With the scientific method, one forms a hypothesis in response to a question. Experimentation is then conducted to test the hypothesis. “The results are then analyzed, and conclusions are drawn that either confirm, disprove, or modify the hypothesis, in which event the process continues,” Elder Corbridge explained. Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge, General Authority Seventy, speaks during a BYU devotional in the Marriott Center on January 22, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Mayberry, BYU Photo.The best of all human conditions in this life is to have the gift and companionship of the Holy Ghost.Now is a day where deception is everywhere, and the spectrum of deception is broad. It ranges from attacks on the Restoration, Joseph Smith, and the Book of Mormon to those who claim to believe in the Restoration but are disillusioned with doctrine that conflicts with shifting attitudes of the day.<strong>Scientific method</strong>The divine method of learning incorporates the other three methods and taps into the powers of heaven. “Ultimately the things of God are made known by the Spirit of God, which is usually a still, small voice,” Elder Corbridge said.Reading this material always left him with a sense of gloom, which inspired him to write a response to these antagonistic claims.“Pay whatever price you must pay, bear whatever burden you must bear, make whatever sacrifice you must make in order to get and keep in your life the Spirit and power of the Holy Ghost,” Elder Corbridge said. “Everything depends on that.”In contrast to that gloom and stupor of thought, the Spirit of light, intelligence, peace, and truth attends the events and doctrine of the Restoration, especially the scriptures revealed through Joseph Smith.One cannot prove the Church is true by disproving every claim made against it. Ultimately, there must be affirmative proof. With the things of God, that affirmative proof comes by revelation through the Spirit of the Holy Ghost.Elder Corbridge explained there are primary and secondary questions when it comes to the Church. The primary questions must be answered first, as they are the most important. They include:“If you answer the primary questions, the secondary questions get answered too, or they pale in significance, and you can deal with things you understand and things you don’t understand, things you agree with and things you don’t agree with, without jumping ship altogether,” Elder Corbridge said.“When you act badly, you may think you are bad when in truth you are usually mistaken,” Elder Corbridge said. “The challenge is not as much closing the gap between our actions and our beliefs. The challenge, rather, is closing the gap between our beliefs and the truth.”“The question is, will you and I stand?” Elder Corbridge said.<strong>Divine method</strong><strong>Analytical method</strong>Holding up a set of scriptures, Elder Corbridge told students gathered in the Marriott Center, “This is more powerful than fear, addiction, pornography, or anything else.”Will you stand forever? Or will you go away?The academic method involves study of the written word.For instance, someone may believe in God and that pornography is wrong, yet still clicks on a site, wrongly believing he or she will be happier, cannot help but click, isn’t hurting anyone else, or it’s not that bad. But this person is wrong.These are questions Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge asked BYU students to ponder during his devotional address on January 22.For instance, the Lord instructed Oliver Cowdery in <a href="/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/9.8?lang=eng#7" target="_blank" class="sense-link">Doctrine and Covenants 9:8</a>, “But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right.”The kingdom of God is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as described in the book of Daniel as <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/dan/2.44?lang=eng#43" target="_blank" class="sense-link">standing for ever</a>.“Truth enables us to see clearly because it is the knowledge of things as they really are, as they were, and as they are to come,” Elder Corbridge said.<b>Answer the primary questions first</b>“Just read them and ask yourself and ask God if these are the words of deceit, delusion, or truth.”<strong>Academic method</strong>The prophet Mormon said in <a href="/scriptures/bofm/alma/31.5?lang=eng#4" target="_blank" class="sense-link">Alma 31:5</a> that the word of God has a more powerful effect upon the mind than the sword or anything else.One cannot be better than what he or she knows. Most people act based on their beliefs. Sometimes, though, their beliefs are wrong.So how does one close that gap?There are some members of the Church who don’t know the answers to the primary questions, and they spend their time and attention slogging through the secondary questions.In contrast, the secondary questions are unending. They include questions about Church history, polygamy, blacks and the priesthood, women and the priesthood, how the Book of Mormon was translated, DNA and the Book of Mormon, gay marriage, different accounts of the First Vision, and so on.<li>Is there a God who is our Father?</li><li>Is Jesus Christ the Son of God, the Savior of the world?</li><li>Was Joseph Smith a prophet?</li><li>Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the kingdom of God on the earth?</li>The analytical method involves gathering, organizing, and weighing evidence relevant to a question. Based on the weight of the evidence, conclusions are drawn as to what the truth may be, he said.“The Church of Jesus Christ is grounded on the rock of revelation, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” Elder Corbridge said. “[Although] we may not know the answer to every question, we must know the answers to the primary questions, and if so, the gates of hell shall not prevail against us and we will stand forever.”“I don’t know much, but I do know the voice of the Lord, and His voice is not in that dark choir, not at all in that choir.”Alma issued an invitation to <span class="sense-link">“experiment upon [his] words” (<a href="/scriptures/bofm/alma/32.27?lang=eng#26" target="_blank">Alma 32:27</a>)</span>. In regard to tithing, the Lord said, <span class="sense-link">“Prove me now herewith, … if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/mal/3.10?lang=eng#9" target="_blank">Malachi 3:10</a>).</span>The gloom that came while reading so much material antagonistic to the Church did not come as the result of belief bias or the thought that everything he once believed could be wrong. Rather, “the gloom I experienced as I listened to the dark choir of voices raised against the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ … is the absence of the Spirit of God,” Elder Corbridge said.Revelation from the Spirit of God supersedes belief bias because it is not premised only on evidence.“There may not be anything out there [of that nature] I haven’t read,” he said.As part of an assignment as a General Authority Seventy, Elder Corbridge needed to read through a great deal of material antagonistic to the Church, the Prophet Joseph Smith, and the Book of Mormon.“Evidence and reason also play a role in preparing us to know the truth,” Elder Corbridge said.There are three major methods of learning—scientific, analytical, and academic—but the divine method of learning incorporates elements of the other methodologies and “ultimately trumps everything else by tapping into the powers of heaven,” Elder Corbridge said. All four methods are necessary to know truth.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/answering-primary-questions-about-the-church-closes-gap-between-belief-and-truth?lang=eng#2790649538Wed, 23 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
U.S. Naval Academy Football Coach Called as Annapolis Stake President
https://www.lds.org/church/news/us-naval-academy-football-coach-called-as-annapolis-stake-president?lang=eng
<p>Annapolis-area Latter-day Saints have witnessed firsthand President Niumatalolo’s devotion to faith and family. He doesn’t work on Sundays—even during the hectic months of the season. His scandal-free success at Navy has also earned him high regard as a leader and a sought-out speaker at business conferences, coaching clinics, and youth gatherings.The Niumatalolos have also been known to invite Latter-day Saint midshipmen to their Annapolis home to watch general conference and enjoy a home-cooked meal.While serving as military missionaries in Annapolis, Reid and Shirley Chambers invited the popular coach to speak to the Latter-day Saint “plebes” who were beginning their training at the military academy.Many in the college football world will likely ask how the coach of a Division 1 program will be able to manage his professional duties <em>and</em> a demanding ecclesiastical calling.President Niumatalolo, he added, is a well-known person in the Annapolis community. “The Lord will use him to further His work in the Annapolis area. President Niumatalolo will be a tremendous blessing to the Church in this part of the vineyard.”“Here he was, one of the most respected football coaches in the nation, but you could tell he was so honored to pass the sacrament with those deacons,” Reid Chambers said.President Niumatalolo and his Church affiliation are well-known both inside and outside Latter-day Saint circles, thanks to his success on the college gridiron and his prominent role in the Church-produced documentary <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/meet-the-mormons-now-37th-of-all-documentaries?lang=eng"><em>Meet the Mormons</em></a>.Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/kevin-s-hamilton?lang=eng">Kevin S. Hamilton</a>, a General Authority Seventy, presided over Sunday’s stake reorganization in Annapolis. President Niumatalolo’s counselors are President Jay Sweany and President Troy Corbett.The Chambers also witnessed Niumatalolo’s humility when he was once invited to pass the sacrament with several young deacons in the Spanish-language branch.The coach/stake president is also a committed family man. As <em>Meet the Mormons</em> audiences learned, he and his wife, Barbara, are the parents of three adult children. The Niumatalolos also recently became grandparents.Ken Niumatalolo, the veteran head football coach at the United States Naval Academy, was called January 20 to preside over the Annapolis Maryland Stake.“One of the miracles of the restored gospel is that two Seventies can come into a stake without knowing anyone and, after a series of very short interviews, can receive revelation as to who the Lord has chosen to lead that stake,” he wrote in an email. “In the reorganization of the Annapolis Maryland Stake this weekend, it was crystal clear that President Niumatalolo was prepared and called by the Lord. We were grateful to witness that miracle.”He has served in a bishopric and as a high councilor in the Annapolis Maryland Stake, where he utilized the Spanish skills he learned on a full-time mission during his recent assignment in the stake’s Spanish-language branch.At the time of his new calling as stake president, President Niumatalolo was serving as the second counselor in the Washington D.C. North Mission.“I’m very proud to be the head football coach at the U.S. Naval Academy; it’s a great responsibility and I love the job,” he said in <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/navy-coach-ken-niumatalolo-believes-keeping-his-covenants-has-brought-him-success?lang=eng">a 2017 <em>Church News</em> profile</a>. “But it’s not the most important thing. Number one is being a husband and a father.”President Niumatalolo reminded the young plebes that the most important thing they could be was disciples of Christ.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/22/350-navys-head-football-coach-called-to-be-stake-president-in-an_1.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Newly called Annapolis Maryland Stake President Ken Niumatalolo, bottom far left, often shares counsel with Latter-day Saints enrolled at the United States Naval Academy, where he is the head football coach. Photo courtesy of Latter-day Saint Midshipman Facebook page.</p>
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Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/kevin-s-hamilton?lang=eng">Kevin S. Hamilton</a>, a General Authority Seventy, presided over Sunday’s stake reorganization and was joined at the meeting by Elder Milan F. Kunz, an Area Seventy.But President Niumatalolo, 53, has long proven an adroit time manager when it comes to faith, family, and football.“In his message to the midshipmen, he said that earning titles and ranks was nice—but they should first strive to be righteous [Latter-day Saints],” Reid Chambers said.“All of the leadership principles that I know are principles I learned in Church—those things like working in a priesthood quorum and learning how to lead like the Savior leads,” he told the <em>Church News</em>.“President Niumatalolo is a very high-profile college football coach, but we found him to be a humble and devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. He and his wife, Barbara, are faithful members of the Church, and he will serve well as the new president of the Annapolis Maryland Stake. We were very pleased to be part of the process of identifying who the Lord had already chosen as the new stake president.”“The mids know Sister Niumatalolo’s meals are always fantastic,” he said, laughing.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/us-naval-academy-football-coach-called-as-annapolis-stake-president?lang=eng#314992649Wed, 23 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
President Nelson Speaks at His “Righteous and Joyful” Daughter’s Funeral
https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-nelson-speaks-at-his-righteous-and-joyful-daughters-funeral?lang=eng
<p>President Nelson told his posterity: “I, with most of you, have shed many tears. I am especially comforted by the Lord’s commandment that ‘thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die’ (<a href="/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/42.45?lang=eng#44" target="_blank">Doctrine and Covenants 42:45</a>).”
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/22/350-tears-of-sorrow-will-turn-to-tears-of-anticipation-says-pres_3.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> President Russell M. Nelson with his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, stand with son in-law Norman A. Maxfield after funeral services at the Cottonwood Heights Utah Brighton Stake Center for President Nelson’s daughter Wendy Nelson Maxfield on Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.</p>
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COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, UTAH“I believe my mother’s happiness came from her faith and belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ,” said Blake Maxfield. President Russell M. Nelson hugs members of his family at the Cottonwood Heights Utah Brighton Stake Center after President Nelson spoke at his daughter Wendy Nelson Maxfield’s funeral on Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.President Nelson said his daughter has been welcomed home by her mother, Sister Dantzel W. Nelson, who died unexpectedly on February 12, 2005, and her sister Emily Nelson Wittwer, who died on January 29, 1995. She will continue to grow, learn, and progress, he said. “Just think of what lies ahead for her.”A wife and mother, Wendy Maxfield was remembered for the love, testimony, music, energy, and laughter she shared. She and her husband, Norman A. Maxfield, are the parents of seven children and have 20 grandchildren. She is the second of nine daughters and one son born to President Nelson and Sister Dantzel White Nelson.“Our precious Wendy had to pass through that gateway we call death in order to experience a fulness of joy.”When a parent bids farewell to a child, something dies within that parent’s heart, said President Russell M. Nelson, speaking at funeral services for his “righteous and joyful” daughter on Saturday.“Our tears of sorrow will turn to tears of anticipation as we gain an eternal perspective,” he said.Thousands filled the Cottonwood Heights Utah Brighton Stake Center to capacity to pay tribute to Wendy Nelson Maxfield, 67, who died Friday, January 11, of cancer.To her children and grandchildren, President Nelson said: “She can minister to you in what I call ‘parenting through the veil.’ She can see us more clearly through the veil than we see her. We cannot forget her. We do not cease to love her. We are sealed to her by eternal ties. She loves us now more than ever. Her desire for our well-being will be even greater than that which we feel for ourselves. So, dear family, stay tuned.” The casket of Wendy Nelson Maxfield is lifted and placed into the hearse after funeral services in the Cottonwood Heights Utah Brighton Stake Center on Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.President Nelson told his grandchildren that they will honor their mother—who spent her entire life ministering, teaching, loving, and serving others—through their own righteousness.President Nelson was joined at the funeral service by his wife, Sister Wendy W. Nelson; three generations of his large family; his counselors in the First Presidency—President Dallin H. Oaks and President Henry B. Eyring; and numerous members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.All seven Maxfield children—Marissa Jackson, Blake Maxfield, Matthew Maxfield, Brady Maxfield, Megan Hammond, Bryndy Bradshaw, and Makenzie Taylor—spoke of their mother’s many attributes. She spent her days serving others; loving her husband, children, and grandchildren; and creating a home “centered on Christ,” they said.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/22/350-tears-of-sorrow-will-turn-to-tears-of-anticipation-says-pres_1.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> President Russell M. Nelson hugs members of his family at the Cottonwood Heights Utah Brighton Stake Center after President Nelson spoke at his daughter Wendy Nelson Maxfield’s funeral on Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.</p>
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Sister Gloria Nelson Irion, matron of the Nauvoo Illinois Temple, remembered her sister’s “love of the Lord and her desire to serve Him,” which extended naturally to serving others—especially her family. Family and friends exit the Cottonwood Heights Utah Brighton Stake Center after funeral services for Wendy Nelson Maxfield on Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.Thanks to the Atonement of Jesus Christ, Wendy Nelson Maxfield’s spirit still lives as an eternal entity, he said. With that eternal perspective, Latter-day Saints can understand better the purposes of life and death.She married a wonderful husband for time and all eternity in a holy temple, he said. “The most important date in her life is neither her birth date nor her death date. Her most important date is August 27, 1974. That is the date she and Norm were sealed. Each child was born under the everlasting covenant made on that memorable date.”Quoting President Joseph F. Smith, President Nelson said, “‘Children should be taught early in life that death is really a necessity as well as a blessing, and that we would not and could not be satisfied and supremely happy without it.’In his last conversation with his daughter, President Nelson reported to her “that her daddy is very proud of her,” he said. “She has always chosen to do that which is right.”“But when love pours in so bounteously from family, friends, and colleagues, that grief is assuaged in a most marvelous way,” said the leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-nelson-speaks-at-his-righteous-and-joyful-daughters-funeral?lang=eng#3314130202Tue, 22 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Discipleship Means Changing Who We Are, Not Just What We Do, BYU–Hawaii President Says
https://www.lds.org/church/news/discipleship-means-changing-who-we-are-not-just-what-we-do-byu-hawaii-president-says?lang=eng
<p>Getting good grades is important, but President Tanner said he wants students to come to love learning so they become lifelong learners.“In all these ways and more, we want you to become a more devout disciple here, not just to do well in school and refrain from breaking the rules,” he said.“While knowledge and action are important to our mission [at BYU–Hawaii], becoming is the most important of all,” he said.“All of these words mean that you work toward something with design, purpose, intention, or determination,” she said. “Having a goal or an aim or a plan is the foundation. The plan provides something on which we can focus our hearts and minds.”“The purpose of the gospel is to ‘teach us all that we must be to live with Him someday.’ It is not enough to know or to do, as important as those are. We must become like Christ.” Sister Susan Tanner speaks during a BYU–Hawaii devotional on January 15, 2019. Photo by Monique Saenz, BYU–Hawaii.Sister Tanner encouraged the audience to be intentional about education, following the Honor Code, and teaching in families.In applying these principles to the students’ education, President Tanner explained that while he wants them to obey the Honor Code, “we want you to internalize the principles of modesty and integrity in the Honor Code rather than just grudgingly conform to its rules.”While visiting his 98-year-old mother in Utah for Christmas, BYU–Hawaii President John S. Tanner sang “<a href="https://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/i-am-a-child-of-god?lang=eng">I Am a Child of God</a>” with her. Due to her failing memory, singing songs is one thing she especially loves. President John S. Tanner speaks during a BYU–Hawaii devotional on January 15, 2019. Photo by Monique Saenz, BYU–Hawaii.“What do the scriptures promise us if we are intentional followers of Christ?” she asked. “If we come to Him with all of our hearts, He will deliver us out of bondage, heal us, and gather us.”Attending church and the temple are important, but truly worshipping is more so.These changes are intended to help members of Christ’s Church become more fully converted and move along the path of true discipleship.This is an era that requires intentional efforts in teaching, learning, and living the gospel and striving to become like the Savior Jesus Christ, she said.The principle of becoming a disciple also applies to the direction President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/russell-m-nelson?lang=eng">Russell M. Nelson</a> is trying to take the Church, President Tanner said.“It underlies the move from lower law, once-a-month visiting and home teaching to higher law, Christlike ministering. It underlies the renewed emphasis on deep and genuine Sabbath worship, on meaningful covenant making in the sacrament, on personal responsibility for gospel learning and living.”The great aim of discipleship is to become like Him, a new man or woman in Christ.“She then stopped and began to explain, with great animation and enthusiasm as she often does, how ‘be’ expresses what the Lord really expects of us,” President Tanner said to BYU–Hawaii students during the first devotional of the semester held on January 15. His wife, Sister Susan Tanner, also spoke during the devotional.“This is not a time to be casual or half-hearted, to waffle, to be lazy, to let things just happen as they may. This is the time to gather Israel, to prepare the world for Christ’s coming.”Becoming like Christ is simple, but soul stretching, President Tanner said.While it is not found in the scriptures, there are similar phrases like “with real intent” or “with full purpose of heart.”Christ repeatedly compared His teachings to Moses’s as He taught His higher law. “Refraining from sinning is essential but not enough,” President Tanner said. “His disciples must overcome anger and lust, they must love even their enemies, and so forth. The Lord wants us to change who we are, not just what we do. Hence His eye is ever upon our motives and our hearts.”President Tanner shared how in the <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bd/sermon-on-the-mount?lang=eng" target="_blank">Sermon on the Mount</a> in the Old World and the <a href="https://www.lds.org/manual/book-of-mormon-student-manual/chapter-41-3-nephi-12-14?lang=eng">Sermon at the Temple</a> in the New World as recorded in the Book of Mormon, “Jesus tries to move His followers from outward observance to inward, wholehearted embrace of righteousness. From conformity to consecration.”In one line of the song, President Tanner’s mother sang out, “Teach me all that I must be,” rather than “do.”Sister Tanner focused her message on the word <em>intentional.</em>His remarks focused on becoming a disciple of Christ, rather than going through the actions.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/discipleship-means-changing-who-we-are-not-just-what-we-do-byu-hawaii-president-says?lang=eng#179847494Tue, 22 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Church Revises Dates for Haiti Temple Open House, Dedication
https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-revises-dates-for-haiti-temple-open-house-dedication?lang=eng
<p>The Haiti <span class="sense-link">Temple groundbreaking</span> was held October 28, 2018, presided over by Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/walter-f-gonzalez?lang=eng">Walter F. González</a>, General Authority Seventy and President of the Church’s Caribbean Area. (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/groundbreaking-for-port-au-prince-haiti-temple?lang=eng">related story</a>.)The temple’s open house will be held from August 3 through August 17, with the exception of Sundays.The Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple will serve more than 17,000 Latter-day Saints in four stakes and three districts. In the April 2015 general conference, President Thomas S. Monson announced the construction of the temple, which will open for ordinances on Tuesday, September 10, 2019. It is the nation’s first temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.The announcement updates the open house, dedication, and youth devotional dates <span class="sense-link">originally announced</span> two months ago, which included the start of the open house in mid-April and a May 19 dedication.“The temple groundbreaking ceremony was a wonderful spiritual experience,” said Elder González in October 2018. “I can only think about everlasting joy and gratitude for all that the temple means in our lives. It is hard to express with words. This was a day of joy and gratitude when we start to build a portal to heaven as we come to better understand the importance of the covenants made in the temple and how they impact our daily lives, both in this time and eternity.”The temple dedication is planned for three sessions on Sunday, September 1. A youth devotional will also be held the day previous, on August 31, and will be broadcast to meetinghouses throughout the temple district.The Church has announced an updated schedule for the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple open house, youth devotional, and dedication.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-revises-dates-for-haiti-temple-open-house-dedication?lang=eng#658011948Fri, 18 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Actors Invited to Audition for 2019 Nauvoo and British Pageant Core Cast
https://www.lds.org/church/news/actors-invited-to-audition-for-2019-nauvoo-and-british-pageant-core-cast?lang=eng
<p>For those who are not able to attend the auditions in person, please send an email to <a href="mailto:culturalarts@ldschurch.org">culturalarts@ldschurch.org</a> for information about submitting a video audition.Twelve men's roles and nine women's roles are available, ages 20s through 60s. There is one role for a teenage boy. <em>(Please note that cast members under 18 years of age will need to have a parent/guardian with them in Salt Lake City and Nauvoo for the duration of the rehearsals and performances.)</em>The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is seeking professional-quality actors to audition for 21 core cast roles in the Nauvoo and British pageants, which will be performed on alternating nights in Nauvoo during the summer of 2019.The core cast auditions will be held at the end of January and beginning of February. For more information or to sign up for an audition time, visit <a href="https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0e4ea5ad2fa6f49-2019">https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0e4ea5ad2fa6f49-2019.</a>Core cast rehearsals will be held in Salt Lake City in June 2019 and will move to Nauvoo, Illinois, on June 24. Performances for both pageants will be July 9 through August 3, 2019.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/actors-invited-to-audition-for-2019-nauvoo-and-british-pageant-core-cast?lang=eng#1527272671Fri, 18 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Groundbreaking Date Announced for San Juan Puerto Rico Temple
https://www.lds.org/church/news/groundbreaking-date-announced-for-san-juan-puerto-rico-temple?lang=eng
<p>The temple site is located at 123 Calle Ronda of Urbanización Villa Andalucía in San Juan’s Trujillo Alto area. Attendance at the site is by invitation only. It is anticipated that the services will be transmitted via the internet to stake centers within the proposed temple district.Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/walter-f-gonzalez?lang=eng">Walter F. González</a>, Caribbean Area President, will preside at the event.The temple will be the first in Puerto Rico and the third in the Caribbean, following the existing and operational Santo Domingo Dominican Republic Temple and the under-construction Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple, which will be <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/events/port-au-prince-haiti-temple-open-house-and-dedication?lang=eng">dedicated</a> September 1, 2019.The Puerto Rico Temple was first announced October 7, 2018, by Church President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/russell-m-nelson?lang=eng">Russell M. Nelson</a>.The First Presidency has announced that groundbreaking services for the San Juan Puerto Rico Temple will be Saturday, May 4, 2019.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/groundbreaking-date-announced-for-san-juan-puerto-rico-temple?lang=eng#1505351583Fri, 18 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Missionary Injured in Terrorist Bombing Attends U.S. Naval Academy, Continues to Share the Gospel
https://www.lds.org/church/news/missionary-injured-in-terrorist-bombing-attends-us-naval-academy-continues-to-share-the-gospel?lang=eng
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<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/18/350-missionary-injured-in-terrorist-bombing-still-standing-tall-_12.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Elder Mason Wells, left, and Elder Joseph Dresden Empey, center, serving in Brussels, part of the France Paris Mission. They had been companions for a month before they were injured in a terrorist attack on the Brussels airport on March 22, 2016. Photo courtesy of the Empey family.</p>
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But help arrived unexpectedly.So adjusting to academy life is challenging for even the most dedicated student. It’s supposed to be tough.“At the end of the week, I had a pretty traumatic memory from the airport,” he said. “I remember breaking down in my room because I was experiencing some of the same things I had experienced in the airport. I had many stresses going on in my life.”
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/18/350-missionary-injured-in-terrorist-bombing-still-standing-tall-_11.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Mason Wells, left, one of four missionaries wounded in the Brussels airport attack, poses for a picture with his brother, Colby, in the burn unit at University Hospital in Salt Lake City on March 29, 2016. Photo courtesy of the Wells family.</p>
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<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/18/350-missionary-injured-in-terrorist-bombing-still-standing-tall-_3.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> United States Naval Academy Midshipman Mason Wells stands with members of his family. Mason survived the 2016 airport terrorist attack in Belgium while serving as a missionary. Photo courtesy of Mason Wells.</p>
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Most of Wells’s classmates knew nothing about his connection to the Belgium terrorist bombing until the 2017 release of the hope-driven book he coauthored entitled <em>Left Standing</em>.Wells was warned his freshman year (or plebe year in academy-speak) would be long and sometimes lonesome. First-year students enjoy few privileges and plenty of new rules and regulations. Even walking in the dorm hallways is prohibited—plebes must “chop” or jog through the massive Bancroft Hall.“Mason made others feel like they were his best friend,” said Reid Chambers.But while most of his new classmates were weeks removed from high school graduation, Wells arrived at the academy seasoned by mission moments both joyful and tragic.Besides carrying a STEM-centric class load (physics, calculus, and chemistry), every USNA midshipman must master seamanship fundamentals, sweat out endless numbers of push-ups and pull-ups, and keep his or her dorm room in, well, shipshape.Like the shrapnel in his body, the memories of the airport bombing remain. A grueling week of academic exams during his first plebe semester triggered unwelcome emotions.“I found myself talking about my mission at least once a week at the academy,” he said. “Because of what I went through—and because I’m still a member of the Church—I have gained a certain respect for my religious views.”Latter-day Saints know his story well.Reid and Shirley Chambers immediately spotted Wells’s quiet self-assurance. The Chambers were serving as military missionaries in Annapolis when <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/missionary-injured-in-brussels-bombing-entering-us-naval-academy?lang=eng">he arrived for Plebe Summer</a>. Each Sunday, Elder and Sister Chambers visited the academy to join the Latter-day Saint plebes for a brief sacrament service. Despite the rigors of basic training, Wells was always on the lookout for others needing an encouraging word or a welcoming handshake.“And to be honest, it was really challenging. … We’re placed under a lot of stress. Plebe year was about breaking away from the civilian mold and living a military lifestyle,” he said. Elder Mason Wells returns home with his parents, Chad and Kym, in Sandy on April 28, 2016, after being injured in the Brussels terrorist attack while serving in the France Paris Mission. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.Serving in the France Paris Mission, he said, “gave me the confidence and understanding that I can do anything with the Lord’s help.”A popular adage at the United States Naval Academy aptly describes the unusual student life at the 173-year-old military school: <em>Not College.</em>“Word spread pretty quickly. … I definitely felt more scrutinized. It was always on the radar.”He was one of four full-time missionaries <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/three-mormon-missionaries-injured-in-belgium-explosion?lang=eng">injured</a> in the March 22, 2016, Brussels airport terrorist attack. The young elder suffered serious injuries in the explosion, spent months in the hospital, and endured multiple surgeries and medical procedures.“Mason is just a great guy,” said Reid Chambers, “and a great example to all of us.”“At that very moment, my company commander walked in my room and talked with me. Our talk, along with a lot of the prayers I had sent up, reminded me of an eternal perspective that life is bigger than the stresses of the day and the problems of tomorrow.”“We met through mutual friends. She started taking the missionary discussions, and I’ve been there every step of the way.” Elder Mason Wells is pushed by his father, Chad, as he returns home and is welcomed by friends and family in Sandy on April 28, 2016, after spending 37 days in the hospital due to injuries from the Brussels terrorist attack. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News. Mason Wells, left, one of four missionaries wounded March 22, 2016, in the Brussels airport terrorist attack, smiles during a visit with Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Elder Brent H. Nielson, Executive Director of the Missionary Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at the University of Utah burn center on March 30, 2016. Photo courtesy of the Wells family.Midshipman Third Class Wells no longer wears a missionary name tag. But he still seeks opportunities to share the gospel. In a few days, he is baptizing a fellow midshipman.“I still have shrapnel in my head and in my legs—there are some things that are just going to stay with me,” he said matter-of-factly.Long before enduring the rigors of military life at the academy, Mason survived almost unimaginable pain and horror.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/18/350-missionary-injured-in-terrorist-bombing-still-standing-tall-_2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> United States Military Academy Midshipman Mason Wells plans to become a military aviator following graduation. Photo courtesy of Mason Wells.</p>
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Fellow Latter-day Saints agree Wells is well equipped for the days and years ahead. He still stands tall.Wells is majoring in aerospace engineering and plans to become a U.S. Marine Corps aviator following graduation. He’s learned military life is far different from missionary life. But in proven missionary-form, he relies upon prayer and testimony to overcome life’s inevitable challenges.But he marked a key moment in his recovery in the summer of 2017 when he reported for Induction Day at the Naval Academy, fulfilling a promise he made himself years earlier. Many of his relatives had served in the military, and he was determined to also wear his country’s uniform.“I remembered that we have so much more to live for.”But Mason Wells is a tough young man.“I had to adapt and recognize that I’m not surrounded by Church members [at the academy],” he said. “I didn’t have time set aside here for spiritual aspects like I did on my mission, so I needed to make that a priority.”Most at the academy were supportive. Some were not. But the awareness of his past prompted frequent discussions.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/missionary-injured-in-terrorist-bombing-attends-us-naval-academy-continues-to-share-the-gospel?lang=eng#2862104022Fri, 18 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Apostles Present Rome Italy Temple to Special Guests, Media during Open House Tours
https://www.lds.org/church/news/apostles-present-rome-italy-temple-to-special-guests-media-during-open-house-tours?lang=eng
<p> Elder Ronald A. Rasband, right, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks following an invitation by Elder David A. Bednar at a press briefing in a meetinghouse on the Rome Italy Temple grounds on Monday, January 14, 2019. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News. Giuliano Falehi trims shrubs outside the gate of the Rome Italy Temple on Monday, January 14, 2019. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News.Three decades ago, Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/massimo-de-feo?lang=eng">Massimo De Feo</a>, a General Authority Seventy, conducted his Italian branch’s sacrament meetings in a garage. This week, he joined two Apostles who led tours for special guests at what he called the magnificent new Rome Italy Temple.Verona Italy Stake President Andrea Cordani said he would be unable to describe it to his wife after he toured the temple on January 13 to prepare to serve as a translator and host. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Susan Bednar, lead a tour of local dignitaries into the Rome Italy Temple on Monday, January 14, 2019. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles greets President Marcello De Vito of the Rome City Council in a meetinghouse on the Rome Italy Temple grounds on Monday, January 14, 2019. At right is Sister Susan Bednar. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News. The Rome Italy Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is pictured on Monday, January 14, 2019.<br/>
Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks during a press briefing at a meetinghouse on the Rome Italy Temple grounds on Monday, January 14, 2019. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News. The Rome Italy Temple is pictured after sunset on Sunday, January 13, 2019. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, center, presents gifts of a <em>Christus</em> figurine to President Marcello De Vito, left, president of the Rome City Council, and President Giovanni Caudo, president of the Third Municipality of Rome, on Monday, January 14, 2019. Photo by Tad Walch, Deseret News.“I’ll tell her, ‘This is beyond anything we’ve imagined and thought that it would be.’ Then I'll try to describe it,” he said. “I don’t think I can. We’ll just count the days until February 9,” when she has tickets for the open house. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles receives shoe covers from Rachele Cavallaro before entering the open house for the Rome Italy Temple on Monday, January 14, 2019. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News. Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles leads a tour during the open house for the Rome Italy Temple on Monday, January 14, 2019. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News.The Rome Temple is the first built in a land where the ancient Apostles preached. Elder Rasband felt a personal connection to Peter and Paul, who preached and are believed to have been martyred in Rome.Elder De Feo was grateful to share the temple with his fellow Italians. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles smiles during a press conference in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center on Monday, January 14, 2019. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News.Like Salt Lake, the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center includes a replica of the <em>Christus</em> statue by Thorvaldsen. At night, the center beams in the dark, with the <em>Christus</em> flanked by the statues of 12 of Jesus Christ’s ancient Apostles.“It wasn’t easy to build the Kirtland Temple,” he said Monday, January 14, at a news conference after hosting Rome city leaders at the temple. “There were unexpected delays and challenges. The same thing was true for the Nauvoo Temple. And the same thing was true for the Salt Lake Temple. So I think we just see a continuation. This is a fallen, mortal world. And there are just things that get in the way and don’t work out the way we initially planned. I think the remarkable thing is that in spite of those challenges, as serious as some of them were, that this temple now, with this level of quality, and even with this timeline, is ready for dedication.”“We really wanted to make sure that we created an Italian piazza,” architect Neils Valentiner said. “We had the four buildings that made it obvious that we could create that piazza. I think it is felt by all as being very Italian. We knew that was an important feature to create. We think now it is the Rome Temple Square. We have Salt Lake Temple Square. Now maybe we have Rome Temple Square.” Statues of Christ and the Apostles are displayed in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Rome, Italy, on Sunday, January 13, 2019. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News. Elder Ronald A. Rasband, left, and Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, along with Elder Massimo De Feo, General Authority Seventy, participate in a press conference in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center on Monday, January 14, 2019. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/17/rome%20media%20day%20cropped/350-rome-temple-opens-for-first-public-tours_23.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles talks with Bryant Van Tassell after receiving shoe covers from him during the open house for the Rome Italy Temple on Monday, January 14, 2019. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News.</p>
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Volunteers Vanna and Benedicto Parisi look at statues of Christ and the Apostles in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center in Rome, Italy, on Sunday, January 13, 2019. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News. Elder Ronald A. Rasband is interviewed by CNN correspondent Delia Gallagher in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Monday, January 14, 2019. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News.“I see a bright future for the Church. And hopefully as we present who we are through the temple and keep being good disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, day after day, be good people, good citizens, they will see and they will join us.”The president of Rome’s city council said he was proud to be among the first to tour the temple.He said he had “a joyous feeling of gratitude to the Lord” to join in celebration with “these Italian Saints, these members of the Church who have struggled and traveled to Bern and other temples to have their temple experience.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/17/rome%20media%20day%20cropped/350-rome-temple-opens-for-first-public-tours_19.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks during a press conference in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center on Monday, January 14, 2019. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News.</p>
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“This is a bridge builder, a spiritual bridge toward other faiths,” he said. “We have wonderful relationships with all faiths already here in the territory, because we have many projects, humanitarian projects, with others, including the Catholic Church, and now we will be even more visible. Our presence will be really weighed as a strong presence here. Everyone will know who we are. …
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/17/rome%20media%20day%20cropped/350-rome-temple-opens-for-first-public-tours_1.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> The Rome Italy Temple is reflected in the window of the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Monday, January 14, 2019. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News.</p>
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A peaceful marble plaza with fountains, Roman umbrella pines, and 500-year-old olive trees sits in a square between the temple, the visitors’ center, a meetinghouse, and patron housing. Elder Rasband told journalists during a tour that the three-story, 40,000-square-foot temple is a “medium-sized temple.” At 15 acres, the grounds are 50 percent larger than Temple Square in Salt Lake City. The Rome Italy Temple is seen through the window of the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center on Monday, January 14, 2019. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News.He and other Italians were delighted by the use of familiar symbols, designs, and plants in the construction and design of the temple and the temple grounds. Olive branches and an oval symbol created by Michelangelo in the 1500s are found throughout the temple. The oval with a 12-pointed star is a design known to most Romans because it dominates the Piazza del Campidoglio outside Rome’s city hall. Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles leads a tour during the open house for the Rome Italy Temple on Monday, January 14, 2019. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News.“I bring the mayor’s greetings for this great building that makes our city more beautiful,” Marcello De Vito said. “It’s a happy day for all those who believe that different people and religions can live together, who believe being able to communicate is the best way to keep peace among different religions, races, and peoples.”Nothing in the past 30 years has been easy, but Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/david-a-bednar?lang=eng">David A. Bedna</a>r of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles counted the temple’s completion, after seven years marked by delays, as a “marvelous miracle.”ROME
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<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/17/rome%20media%20day%20cropped/350-rome-temple-opens-for-first-public-tours_13.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> The Rome Italy Temple is pictured after sunset on Sunday, January 13, 2019. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News.</p>
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The statue of Peter holds two keys in his right hand.“Peter received from the Savior the keys of the kingdom,” Elder Bednar said, “and there is a mantle associated with that ordination. The apostleship is never about the men. It is about the office and the mantle. I love to read about Peter and Paul and their ministries in the New Testament. And the mantle they bore, and that Elder Rasband and I have received, is real. For me, the bond with those ancient Apostles is in the majesty and powers of the mantle and in the spiritual witness of the reality of the Restoration in the latter days.” Elder Ronald A. Rasband, left, and Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, along with Elder Massimo De Feo, General Authority Seventy, participate in a press conference in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center on Monday, January 14, 2019. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News.“Now they have this exquisite, beautiful, magnificent temple that will be a destination temple, not just for the Italian Saints, but European Saints. Saints throughout the world are going to come to the Rome Italy Temple and not only experience the feelings of what used to be—those early Apostles there in prison, the sacrifices, the crucifixions—to in humility thank the Lord for where we are today.”“The most moving personal aspect of this open house and future dedication is to think that … those early Apostles, the conditions of their lives, the suffering, the imprisonment, the time that Peter and Paul came to Rome, most of it was spent in a dungeon, prison cell,” he said. “And so for me to come here, it’s humbling in the nth degree.”Elder Bednar and Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/ronald-a-rasband?lang=eng">Ronald A. Rasband</a> led tours for dignitaries, including a group of Catholic leaders from the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, from Monday through Thursday ahead of the <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/events/rome-italy-temple-open-house-and-dedication?lang=eng">public open house</a>, which will be held January 28 through February 16, excluding Sundays.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/17/rome%20media%20day%20cropped/350-rome-temple-opens-for-first-public-tours_9.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles points out features of the Rome Italy Temple on Monday, January 14, 2019. At right is President Marcello De Vito of the Rome City Council. At left is Elder Bednar’s wife, Sister Susan Bednar. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News.</p>
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https://www.lds.org/church/news/apostles-present-rome-italy-temple-to-special-guests-media-during-open-house-tours?lang=eng#1961601811Fri, 18 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Sister Oaks Shares Personal Experience to Encourage Single Members to Stay Positive, Faithful
https://www.lds.org/church/news/sister-oaks-shares-personal-experience-to-encourage-single-members-to-stay-positive-faithful?lang=eng
<p>Speaking at the Holladay Region Mid-Single Adult Fireside, Sister Oaks focused her message on the needs of single adults ages 31-45, the same night Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/dale-g-renlund?lang=eng">Dale G. Renlund</a> and his wife, Sister Ruth Renlund, <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-and-sister-renlund-tell-young-adults-to-let-faith-not-doubt-drive-questions?lang=eng">spoke to the young single adults of the Church</a>. While they spoke on faith and doubt, Sister Oaks shared a message of positivity and keeping a broad perspective.Many mid-single adults wonder what they are doing wrong resulting in them still being single. But rather than ask what they are doing wrong, Sister Oaks encouraged that they should ask, “What more can I do that is right?”Sister Oaks remembers wondering if she was doing something wrong to delay the beautiful blessings promised to her in her patriarchal blessing. “I had 53 years to do this. Nothing was happening. I was beginning to think my prayers were going unanswered.”But she had a spiritual wake-up call and began to realize that every moment was precious and that she was laying the groundwork for better things. She told the Lord, “however He wanted to use me to build His kingdom, I would accept.”Sister Oaks said Latter-day Saints must have compassion. “As members of the Church, we have to be careful not to judge one another and to suspend any previously held assumptions that might cripple our ability to accept one another on any level.”Changing her behavior, she began spending less time alone on the computer and more involved in ward activities. She changed her study of the scriptures, focused her prayers on an eternal perspective, and searched for opportunities to serve and minister.During her remarks, Sister Oaks said she felt impressed to share some perspective of who she is. She is the second wife to President Oaks. After he lost his first wife, Sister June D. Oaks, she married him in her mid-50s. And while she had attained several degrees and worked for many years, “I had never acquired any domestic skills,” she said. But even though she could cook only a few things, it wasn’t her cooking skills that qualified her to eventually marry an Apostle.“Know the Lord loves you,” she said. “Know He has a plan for you. Know there is nothing wrong with you because you are not married. That is so important for you to know.”“Finally he pulls her in, puts a blanket on her and he said, ‘If I had pulled you in, when you begged to get in, you’d be dead. You needed to have that run to become warm,’” Sister Oaks said. “And I say to you, we need that, all of us.”HOLLADAY, UTAHIn closing, Sister Oaks reminded the audience of their divine destiny. “God expects us to have enough faith and determination and trust in Him to keep moving and living and rejoicing,“ she said. “He expects us not to simply face the future but to embrace it and make it beautiful. He is eagerly waiting for the chance to answer your prayers.”“I feel fortunate by the relationships that I have now and that I’ve made in my mid-singles years that I would have missed out on.”That love was certainly felt as she and her husband, President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/dallin-h-oaks?lang=eng">Dallin H. Oaks</a>, First Counselor in the First Presidency, greeted and shook hands with as many of the men and women gathered in the chapel as they could—long before the meeting began.“I think a lot of singles ask themselves that question,” said Marliett Davis of the Oak Hills Single Adult 8th Ward. “But that’s not the point. I didn’t go wrong anywhere.”“But I know it was in very large part of my learning to live the gospel of Jesus Christ as a single person that brought me through difficult situations and trials and really prepared me for marriage,” she said.Sister Oaks shared a story about the great-grandmother of Sister June D. Oaks, President Oaks’ first wife. Margretta Clark was part of the Martin Handcart Company, which was caught in brutal blizzards on its migration west to the Salt Lake Valley. Freezing and exhausted, Margretta asked a wagon driver, Anson Call, to let her ride in the wagon. Rather than immediately pull her inside, he made her run alongside the wagon for a bit before pulling her in.Cammie Taylor of the Oak Hills Single Adult 8th Ward, Provo Utah Oak Hills Stake, said that she saw wisdom in needing that run. “I’m such a better person now than I was in my young, mid-20s.” Rather than marrying young, she’s had “this life and experience that I’ve loved and cherished. I’ve traveled the world, I’ve done things that I feel very fortunate to have done.Nearly every chair in this Holladay, Utah, Church meetinghouse was filled. And several people who could not squeeze into the chapel, overflow or cultural hall stood at the doors to hear Sister Oaks speak.
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, greets members before a Holladay region mid-single adult fireside on January 13, 2019. Photo by Valerie Johnson.</p>
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Sister Kristen Oaks shared a powerful message with single adults on January 13.“I want you to know that you are so loved,” she said.Despite her circumstances or that of any other single adult, there is hope, Davis said. “There are things that I can develop right now in my life, to help me be better and to develop towards ... becoming like Christ, like the Savior.” Sister Kristen Oaks embraces Ashley Lawson before a Holladay region mid-single adult fireside on January 13, 2019. Photo by Valerie Johnson.“It’s such an honor to be here,” she said, thanking them for coming to hear her speak.“My original question had been, ‘Am I doing something wrong?’ I learned that is the wrong question,“ she said. Her prayers, scripture study, and behavior began to reflect a different question: “What more can I do that is right?”</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/sister-oaks-shares-personal-experience-to-encourage-single-members-to-stay-positive-faithful?lang=eng#2125147471Fri, 18 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
New Video Shows How the Rome Italy Temple Celebrates Symbolism, Italian Roots
https://www.lds.org/church/news/new-video-shows-how-the-rome-italy-temple-celebrates-symbolism-italian-roots?lang=eng
<p>As one of the most historic cities in the world, where biblical Apostles preached of Christ, it’s fitting that the Church has also constructed an impressive visitors’ center on the temple grounds. The center showcases a <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/from-copenhagen-to-carrara-to-rome-the-modern-day-travels-of-ancient-apostle-statues?lang=eng"><em>Christus</em> statue with</a> some of the ancient Apostles circled behind Him with full-length windows as their backdrop. When Elder Bednar saw the statues for the first time, the Apostle said that “it was just a spiritually stunning moment for me.”According to the video, not only is the interior of the temple a reflection of Italian culture and tradition—with floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows and several oval motifs signifying eternity—but the outdoor piazza was designed to feel familiar to Italians.According to Newsroom, the Rome Italy Temple will serve 23,000 members in Italy and the surrounding areas, making it the 162nd operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the world.Lining the piazza are 400- to 500-year-old olive trees from northern Italy. Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/david-a-bednar?lang=eng">David A. Bednar</a> of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles notes in the video that “there’s tremendous symbolism in olives and in olive trees. … Whenever you cut the roots of an olive tree, they’ll sprout. They don’t die; they will continue to sprout. Some have suggested that perhaps that’s symbolic of the hope of the Resurrection.”<a href="https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/public-tours-begin-rome-italy-temple">Newsroom</a> released a video on January 14 detailing how the land for the Rome Italy Temple was selected. Posted just weeks before the <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-amends-dedication-dates-for-rome-italy-temple?lang=eng">public open house begins</a> on January 28, the video explains the <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/a-closer-look-at-symbolism-of-christus-and-ancient-apostles-statues-in-rome?lang=eng">symbolism within the temple</a> and the significance of the building to the Roman community.<a href="https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/public-tours-begin-rome-italy-temple">Read the full Newsroom article here.</a>“This had to be one that when you walked onto this site, every person should feel like they were on an Italian site,” said temple architect Niels Valentiner. “They would recognize it because of the materials, because of the design, and because of the surrounding.”</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/new-video-shows-how-the-rome-italy-temple-celebrates-symbolism-italian-roots?lang=eng#531737603Thu, 17 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Elder Christofferson Speaks on Truth and Integrity at Washington, D.C., News Summit
https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-christofferson-speaks-on-truth-and-integrity-at-washington-dc-news-summit?lang=eng
<p>Speaking about his experience during “<a href="https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900050681/integrity-in-government-and-why-it-matters-a-conversation-with-bob-woodward-elder-d-todd-christofferson-and-michael-dimock.html">Integrity and Trust: Lessons from Watergate and Today</a>,” an event held by the Deseret News on Monday, January 14, at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., Elder Christofferson said it was “a blow to the gut” when he first listened to the recordings.Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/d-todd-christofferson?lang=eng">D. Todd Christofferson</a> of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles clearly remembers the day he heard the Watergate tapes along with Judge John Sirica, the U.S. district judge who presided over the trials. Boyd Matheson, opinion editor of the <em>Deseret News</em>, left; Bob Woodward, <em>Washington Post</em> reporter who broke the Watergate story in 1973 and current associate editor at the <em>Post</em>; Elder D. Todd Christofferson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and Michael Dimock, president of the Pew Research Center, speak during “Integrity and Trust: Lessons from Watergate and Today” at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., on Monday, January 14, 2019. Photo by Laura Seitz, Deseret News.Adding that there’s danger when people think the rules don’t apply to them, the Apostle emphasized the value of accountability and integrity in society—both during the Watergate trials and in the world today. Bob Woodward, <em>Washington Post</em> reporter who broke the Watergate story in 1973 and current associate editor at the <em>Post</em>, speaks to Elder D. Todd Christofferson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, before speaking at “Integrity and Trust: Lessons from Watergate and Today” at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., on Monday, January 14, 2019. Photo by Laura Seitz, Deseret News.“I remember the shock that both the judge and I felt in that moment,” he said. “We were so discouraged, we went home early that day. We had no heart to do anything else. We knew what would happen several months later.”
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Bob Woodward, <em>Washington Post</em> reporter who broke the Watergate story in 1973 and current associate editor at the <em>Post</em>, speaks to Elder D. Todd Christofferson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, before speaking at “Integrity and Trust: Lessons from Watergate and Today” at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., on Monday, January 14, 2019. Photo by Laura Seitz, Deseret News.</p>
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“I resolved to be more committed to the teachings of my youth,“ Elder Christofferson said.“Watergate was an assault on the integrity of institutions that are crucial for society. But it didn’t have the ultimate effect of destroying them because good people, people of integrity, came to the fore and exercised their influence,” he said. “People who had integrity defended the institutions and the processes and our society, and I feel like we’re obligated in our time to be the same kind of people, to be the kind of people that we’re asking the rest of the world to be.”Joined by legendary <em>Washington Post</em> reporter Bob Woodward and president of the Pew Research Center Michael Dimock, Elder Christofferson explained how listening to the tapes at first shook him so much, he questioned his own career choice. However, while initially discouraged and disillusioned, the experience ultimately strengthened his convictions, the <a href="https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900050681/integrity-in-government-and-why-it-matters-a-conversation-with-bob-woodward-elder-d-todd-christofferson-and-michael-dimock.html"><em>Deseret News</em> reported</a>. </p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-christofferson-speaks-on-truth-and-integrity-at-washington-dc-news-summit?lang=eng#1042228497Thu, 17 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
How BYU Is Creating an Environment of Respect and Understanding for Students of All Faiths
https://www.lds.org/church/news/how-byu-is-creating-an-environment-of-respect-and-understanding-for-students-of-all-faiths?lang=eng
<p>Painting a picture of what it is like to be one of the 44 students who stand separated by their Islamic faith and culture among 33,000 students on the Brigham Young University campus in Provo, Utah, <a href="https://www.csmonitor.com/EqualEd/2018/1101/The-conservative-Christian-college-where-Muslims-feel-welcome">an article from the <em>Christian Science Monitor</em></a>, published in early November 2018, highlighted for a broad audience the unique atmosphere of the campus owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.As assistant dean for student life and the chaplain for non-Latter-day Saint students on the BYU campus, James Slaughter explained that the renewed club was created with ties to the religion department in the hopes that it would create more longevity for the group over the years.Since starting up again last year, the club has hosted a number of different events to elevate the profiles of non-Latter-day Saint students on campus, including a number of panel discussions with students of various faiths sharing their experiences on campus and answering questions about how to better create an inclusive community for those of all faiths or belief systems.The club's second goal is focused more on students who are members of the Church, Garcia explained. “We want to help them recognize that Utah is not just full of members of the Church but that there are people of other religions and other faiths here. We work to help them have more empathy towards [non-Latter-day Saint] people in general and help them learn more about other religions.” BYU freshman Janai Wright speaks with Rabbi Samuel L. Spector at an event held by the BYU Interfaith Club on October 16, 2018. Photo courtesy of Ty Mullen, The Daily Universe.But while the similarities between the two religions and cultures may help break down initial barriers between the different groups as they commingle on the university campus, it is the students' willingness to understand and embrace their differences that is proving to help cultivate a better learning environment for all.“It can be faith affirming to look for what people are learning in other traditions,” Jackson said, referencing her discussion with BYU professor Daniel Peterson, whom she interviewed for her article. “Difference is not a threat to faith. … It’s about looking for beauty and goodness where you find it. And I think that is a lesson that most Americans are hungry for right now.”Trying to understand another person’s intentions can help overcome tension and allow for a more constructive interaction with difficult topics like religious differences, Habahbeh said.Interfaith clubs and conversations about how to improve the integration of varying cultures and faiths is hardly unique to BYU, Jackson said, but the university can serve as an example of how such conversations can and should be happening on a wider scale.“We have some bad experiences, but it’s not very often. Sometimes people look at me on the bus because I am wearing a headscarf. They look at me like they are maybe uncomfortable, and I know some people are prejudiced, but I can understand that because that can happen everywhere,” Pratiwi said. “People don’t always hear the truth about communities and so sometimes they are prejudiced. But I just try to smile and give a different image than maybe what they read or think they know. I hope it can change their mind and they can know we are not the people they were thinking.”Although sometimes people can get a bit pushy or defensive, Habahbeh said he tries to consider each person's perspectives and motives when they interact. “You have to look at it from a different perspective to be able to understand why people are doing this or that.”“The interfaith club ... raises awareness to the general public regarding issues for people of other faiths at BYU,” said Laith Habahbeh, a junior at BYU from Jordan. “I feel like when these issues become recognized, we can always take action on them.”Not judging before taking the time to learn about others is one of the things students are good at, Slaughter noted.With 14 different religious or non-religious affiliations represented on campus—the largest groups of which include Protestant denominations, Catholicism, and Islam—Slaughter said the interfaith club adds to the opportunities for students of all faiths to learn from one another.“It’s really just a story about a couple dozen college kids in an unusual environment for them and how they’re going about settling into the community,” Jackson said of her article. “But hopefully that’s something that everyone can get behind.”Molly Jackson, the writer of the <em>Christian Science Monitor</em> article, shared with the <em>Church News</em> how she visited the BYU campus and explored some of her interests regarding religion and cultural integration.On the Brigham Young University Campus in Provo, Utah, there are around 33,000 students—more than 98 percent of which identify as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Less than two percent—some 430 students—of those who elect to attend the university identify with other religions or no religion.<strong>An educating environment</strong>Focusing on elements like the university’s honor code, <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/religious-freedom-has-two-key-benefits-critical-for-society-elder-christofferson-says?lang=eng">the Church’s continual defense of religious freedom for all</a>, and the fact that Utah is the only state where Republican politicians have not attacked Islam publicly since 2015, the article highlights ways that the BYU campus proves to be a comfortable place for students of the Muslim faith, despite the fact that only two percent of students attending the university identify as non-Latter-day Saints.For some students, the similarities between Islam and the Church, in regard to standards of living—represented by the honor code—and a shared history of experiencing discrimination for their respective beliefs and culture, are what help make the BYU campus a welcoming place, the article explains.Despite its fluctuating existence, the club has never had a lack of interest from the students, Slaughter said, but the demands of organizing and running the club proved overwhelming for student leaders in the past and connecting it to a department can help alleviate some of that responsibility.“So this is the newest one and it is actually affiliated with the religion department and so we are hoping this one will actually stay,” Garcia said. “From what I can see, it looks like the deans and the religion department are really trying to push to make things more inclusive or to find a better way to teach about [non-Latter-day Saint] students.”“Most of my conversations here at BYU are about religion,” Habahbeh said. “I mean, there are definitely a lot of people who want to learn and get to know other religions better, and in return they want me to learn about their religion and that's something I don't mind at all. I like learning about different religions.”“The interfaith club hasn't always had a strong history,” club co-president George Garcia explained. It has appeared and disappeared over the years with the current club having been reinstated in early 2018.For Slaughter, one of the positive outcomes of the club's revival is that it has helped connect students on campus to more opportunities to learn from their peers of other faiths and learn a bit about how they might be perceived by others.“Because we are in an environment where people are very well educated, I think people understand how to respect each other very well,” said Cekli Pratiwi, a student at the J. Reuben Clark Law School. Pratiwi noted that when she is off campus sometimes she notices more how people look at her.“But when I came here, it’s the exact opposite,” she said, sharing her excitement for the friends she’s made and all that she has learned in her first semester. “I just hope that no one will judge people before knowing them. You just have to give everyone a chance and get to know them before you judge them or talk about them.”While the story Jackson wrote focused on BYU and Muslims, she said it’s a story with a bigger picture. It can extend and look at not just what the first day of coming to a new place and integrating is like for immigrants or foreign students, but what their lives and integration look like day after day and year after year as their differing cultures and communities are built side by side.“With the interfaith club we have two goals, really,” Garcia said. “With [non-Latter-day Saint] students, our goal has been to create a sense of community for them. Quite a few of them have talked about how lonely it is here because they are outcasts. So what we're trying to do is create a sense of community for them where they [don’t] just get to know each other but know that they belong. They may not feel like they belong everywhere on campus, but they can know there is somewhere they can turn to and that there is a group where they will feel included.”And although there were many different aspects of the Church-owned school for her to explore and report on, she noted that the student experiences, particularly those shared by international Muslim students, were what stood out to her the most.“There’s a bigger story to be told about those communities' relationships,” Jackson said. “It seems like labels often prevent so many of us from understanding each other or seeing each other.”And although non-Latter-day Saint students are a minority on campus, the reestablishment of an interfaith club on campus and a unique focus on religious freedom and openness has helped BYU prove itself a campus where students of all faiths feel comfortable. And in 2018, even groups outside the university—like the <em>Christian Science Monitor</em>—have started to take note of the unique environment created by the Church-owned university.“This age group is interested in what they can do together to make things better,” Slaughter said. “That’s one of the positives. … They want to do good.”In addition to hosting student panels and monthly luncheons, the club has hosted events inviting religious leaders from various faiths to come to campus and share details of their doctrine and religious practices so that students of all faiths can learn from a variety of representations.<strong>A place to share different perspectives</strong><strong>Building relationships on common ground</strong>Before coming to BYU, Hind Alsboul, the freshman student from Saudi Arabia who was featured in Jackson’s article, described how many people told her to be wary of people at the university. They told her she’d be brainwashed and that she wouldn’t fit in with the Church-centered society.But the interfaith club isn't the only thing that is raising awareness of students of various faiths on the Church-owned campus.“When you're in an environment where 98 percent of the students are all of the same faith, it is interesting to hear how people see us,” Slaughter said, noting that the panel events where students share their personal experiences are some of the best attended events hosted by the club. Students want to understand the perspectives of their peers, he said.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/how-byu-is-creating-an-environment-of-respect-and-understanding-for-students-of-all-faiths?lang=eng#1338850996Thu, 17 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Young Women Bring Joy to Pediatric Cancer Patients through Yarn Wigs
https://www.lds.org/church/news/young-women-bring-joy-to-pediatric-cancer-patients-through-yarn-wigs?lang=eng
<p>Megan Turner said that though her daughter Kinsley needs to come to appointments for treatment, understandably, it is really difficult for her. But this time when she saw the young women bringing their yarn wig gifts, she stopped crying. “She’s so joyful, and she’s smiling still,” Turner said. “Thank you so much.”
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/10/350-young-women-deliver-yarn-wigs-to-cancer-kids_2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> A child who just finished her latest round of radiation therapy at the Texas Children’s Hospital receives a yarn wig from Savannah Morris of the Spring Texas Stake. Photo courtesy of Kelly Foss.</p>
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Her mom, Shauna Garner, said Ella had already been in the hospital 40 days prior to this round of treatment. “As a parent, you are overwhelmed with so much on a daily basis,” she said. “When there are people who are willing to volunteer their time in multiple ways by creating this, it’s no small task. To see her spirits soar and see the smile on her face, it brings such happiness to your heart. That’s what you hope for because healing is about so much more than just medicine. In the next few days when she goes into the next round of chemo, this memory will make the next few hours and days that we endure a little bit easier, and so we’re so grateful.”When asked how she felt seeing these children with cancer receive the yarn wigs, Savanah Morris from the Spring Texas Stake said, “It makes you feel extremely grateful that you are able to serve these people. … It makes you feel happy because it lights up their day.” A few young women from the Spring Texas Stake gather as they prepare to deliver yarn wigs to children receiving cancer treatment. From left, youth leader Hallie Fielding, Ellie Blackburn, Savannah Morris, Rachel John, Ashlyn Hall, Annette Pinto, Lauren Billat, Sofia Booth, and Kim Johnson. Photo courtesy of Kelly Foss. Lauren Billat and Ashlyn Hall of the Spring Texas Stake carry boxes of yarn wigs to distribute to kids with cancer at the Texas Children’s Hospital. Photo courtesy of Kelly Foss.In spite of their difficult medical condition, many patients continue to find joy and have aspirations. Ten-year-old Ella Garner fully intends to engage in a serious snowball fight someday soon. Because her family lives in Pearland, Texas, that’s a more ambitious goal than it sounds.Their community service project focused on making yarn wigs for pediatric cancer patients at Texas Children’s Hospital, the largest pediatric cancer center in the country. Not only are the wigs colorful and fun, but they also serve a functional purpose. As a result of radiation and chemotherapy, children cancer patients almost always experience hair loss.Hallie Fielding, an adult leader for the young women, said, “Even during girls camp in the spring of last year, we had 140 girls and 20 to 30 leaders working on this project. It’s important to have fun at camp, but it’s also important to do something meaningful.”HOUSTON, TEXASFollowing <a href="https://themagicyarnproject.com/">themagicyarnproject.com</a> pattern, various tasks were assigned. About 15 people who were experienced at crocheting made the beanies ahead of time. “An elderly sister from the Imperial Oaks Ward crocheted all the crowns on top of the wigs,” Fielding said. “She’s amazing.”Kim Johnson, the Young Women leader for this effort, noted that the project started in January 2018. “I wanted them [the young women] to think outside of themselves and see that they have the power to touch a life no matter what their age is.” Johnson said. “Also, to experience putting in the time and effort to get the reward.”Ellen Bennett, from the Donor Relations Department at Texas Children’s Hospital, readily agreed that service groups like this were beneficial to the patients and their families.When Ella was asked what she thought of her new yarn wig, she said, “I love it. It reminds me of snowflakes.”After a herculean effort that included more than 200 people and 1,000 hours of work and spanned almost an entire year, young women of the Spring Texas Stake enjoyed the fruits of their labors in a very touching and serious way.So, on January 2, a group of young women and their leaders went to visit child cancer patients and their families at the Houston, Texas, hospital and provided them with the yarn wigs.Husband Jay Garner added, “I want nothing more than to see her smile; that’s all I want.”Asked if she felt like the Lord was happy with what they did, she responded, “Absolutely.” Jay and Shauna Garner smile with their daughter, Ella, who has spent 40 days in the hospital prior to this round of treatment. Ella’s yarn wig was made by young women of the Spring Texas Stake. Photo courtesy of Kelly Foss.Annette Pinto added, “We’re serving like Jesus Christ did. It’s the pure love of Christ, and we feel so good. It’s like a wholesome feeling, that we can serve like He did.”“[It] means a lot to them to know that someone is thinking about them … and doing something for them and making their day a little bit easier. We really appreciate that somebody thinks about us here and helps out.”Young woman Rachel John noted that though it was a large project, “it was 100 percent worth it and I’d do it all over again. Not only did it bring joy to the children and their families, but it also brought the young women who served closer together.”</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/young-women-bring-joy-to-pediatric-cancer-patients-through-yarn-wigs?lang=eng#1452605579Thu, 17 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Elder Holland Helps Break Ground for Urdaneta Philippines Temple
https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-holland-helps-break-ground-for-urdaneta-philippines-temple?lang=eng
<p>In the dedicatory prayer, Elder Holland blessed the employees, workers, engineers, volunteers, and others who will be involved in the project. He also expressed gratitude for members who pay tithing faithfully. Rendering of the Urdaneta Philippines Temple. Holding a shovel in the center of the line, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles addresses community leaders and Church membersa in Urdaneta, Pangasinan, Philippines, on Wednesday January 16, 2019. He broke ground for the new temple, the Church's third in the Philippines.“The payment of tithing by those near and far, some of whom will never live to see this temple is one of the greatest examples of love, brotherhood, and sacrifice that we have in the Church of Jesus Christ,” he prayed. “The building of another beautiful house of the Lord is an example of how Thou hast opened the windows of heaven and poured out a blessing beyond our ability to receive because we pay our tithing.”Standing on the site of the future Urdaneta Philippines Temple, Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/jeffrey-r-holland?lang=eng">Jeffrey R. Holland</a> of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said “this property, this city, this province, and the entire nation of the Philippines will never ever be the same as a result of the construction of this building.”Elder Wakolo spoke about the history and significance of building temples. “That’s what the temple is, where the families can be sealed for time and for all eternity,” he said.Elder Wakolo concluded by posing two important questions for the members to ponder: “What are you and I going to do to sacrifice to increase or deepen our conversion towards our Eternal Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ as we accept the temple? What are you and I going to do to prepare our hearts and our minds—and even our families—to accept the temple?”The groundbreaking ceremony marks the commencement of the construction of the temple and will take about three to five years to complete. “In a few years from now, we will see a beautiful temple,” she said. “It will be a prominent landmark in this area. It will be majestic.”He also prayed for the spiritual benefit of the Latter-day Saints in the temple district. “We also dedicate our very lives to be more worthy of the blessings we receive, including and especially the blessings of the temple,” he said. “May we prepare personally to come here, even as the walls and the windows of the temple go up. That when the building is ready, so, too, will we be ready to worship here.”Once dedicated, the Urdaneta Philippines Temple will serve Church members residing in Central and Northern Luzon.<a href="https://www.deseretnews.com/media/misc/pdf/church-news/2019-01-World-Temples.pdf" target="_blank" class="sense-link">Download a PDF of temples across the world.</a>In addition to Elder Holland, members of the Philippines Area Presidency—Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/evan-a-schmutz?lang=eng">Evan A. Schmut</a>z, Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/michael-j-teh?lang=eng">Michael John U. Teh</a>, and Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/taniela-b-wakolo?lang=eng">Taniela B. Wakolo</a>, all General Authority Seventies—spoke during the ceremony.Elder Teh talked about the sacredness of temples, explaining that all throughout history, prophets have built sacred places where people can commune with God. He pointed out that temples are literally houses of God.URDANETA, Philippines Church members gather at the site of the future Urdaneta Philippines Temple on January 16, 2019. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles broke ground for the new temple, the third in the Philippines.“We believe that the work and glory of God are to bring to pass the immortality and the eternal life of His children,” he said. “It is within the walls of this temple that will be built, and many others, that the work can be done to a great extent.” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles addresses community leaders and Church members in Urdaneta, Pangasinan, Philippines, on Wednesday January 16, 2019. He broke ground for the new temple, the Church's third in the Philippines.Presiding at the groundbreaking ceremony for the third temple in the Philippines on January 16, Elder Holland offered a prayer of dedication on the 32-acre site of the future temple.Elder Schmutz expressed gratitude to the dignitaries and friends present at the historic meeting. “You can perhaps feel some of the excitement that members of the Church feel on this occasion,” he said. “We made a big deal of this, to turn some shovelsful of dirt, because for us it represents all the culmination of many years of faith and prayers to bring a temple to this part of the Philippines.”The country’s first temple is in Manila, dedicated in 1984, while the second is in Cebu City, dedicated in 2010. There are three other temples announced for the Philippines, which will be in the Greater Manila Area, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao. Overall, the Church has 201 temples worldwide, either in operation, under construction or announced. Church leaders joined community leaders in Urdaneta, Pangasinan, Philippines, on Wednesday January 16, 2019, to break ground for a new temple in the Philippines. Church members gather at the site of the future Urdaneta Philippines Temple on January 16, 2019. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles broke ground for the new temple, the third in the Philippines.“To be honest about it, we never dreamt that the Church would grow this fast,” said Elder Lim after the event. “This was something that we really did not envision.” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other Church leaders joined community leaders in Urdaneta, Pangasinan, Philippines, on Wednesday January 16, 2019, to break ground for a new temple in the Philippines.Elder Teh also addressed the function of the rooms in the temples, saying that those who participate in the temple change into white clothing to signify purity, reverence, and equality. “Inside the temple, we are all children of our Heavenly Father,” he said.Elder Schmutz said upon completion, the temple will be dedicated for the “work and glory of God.”He then pointed out the differences between a temple and a chapel. “In the temples, only the highest of ordinances are performed,” he said. “It cannot be performed in any other place other.”“We all rejoiced in this wonderful news. The feelings were inexplicable. Many were overwhelmed and shed tears of joy. We became very excited, and we all waited with joyful anticipation,” Sister Karganilla said, sharing reactions from when President Thomas S. Monson announced a temple in Urdaneta eight years ago during the 2010 October General Conference.The changes that will occur with the completion of the temple “will be quiet, private, and personal,” he said.Elder Tomas S. Merdegia Jr., an Area Seventy, expressed his joy in knowing that the third temple in the country will commence its construction. He said the joy he felt at the groundbreaking ceremony was similar to what he had felt during the announcement and completion of the Manila Philippines Temple more than 20 years ago.“It won’t be a headlining experience of dramatic public significance, but the invitation we now collectively make to invite the Spirit of the Lord, the power of heaven, and the attendance of angels to concentrate on a little piece of property in Urdaneta is no small matter in the work of the kingdom of God on earth and the progress of God’s family in their quest for exaltation in the eternities.”Sy, a long-time friend of the Church, shared her thoughts about the event. “I was very much amazed. I’m very happy. I could not explain the feeling because I was very much inspired to know that the third temple in the Philippines will be in my province, which is Pangasinan.”Seated on the stand with Elder Holland were Hon. Amadeo Gregorio E. Perez IV, mayor of Urdaneta City; Atty. Francis Tinio, representative of Hon. Amado I. Espino III, governor of Pangasinan; Hon. Silverio D. Alvarcio, Jr., president of the Mayors’ League of Pangasinan; Hon. Alfredo Tumang, Barangay Captain of Barangay Nancayasan; Rev. Fr. Allen Romeo, Catholic Diocese of Bayambang; Major Vincent Gerardo, Salvation Army; and Lelia C. Sy, publisher of the Northern Times and Pangasinan Star newspapers.Elder Augusto Lim, the first stake president in the Philippines in 1973 and emeritus General Authority Seventy, and Ray Goodson, one of the first missionaries assigned to the Philippines, also joined Elder Holland on the stand.Sister Ana Marie C. Karganilla, a member of the Dagupan Philippines Stake, also spoke.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-holland-helps-break-ground-for-urdaneta-philippines-temple?lang=eng#2699556619Thu, 17 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Church-Provided Training, Equipment Helps Indigenous Midwives Save Newborns in Brazil
https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-provided-training-equipment-helps-indigenous-midwives-save-newborns-in-brazil?lang=eng
<p>Besides offering neonatal resuscitation training, the Church donated more than 2,000 pieces of medical equipment, including stethoscopes, self-inflating silicone bags, masks, neonatal mannequins, and syringes. Midwives from Brazil’s Guajajára tribe listen to neonatal care instruction at an October 2018 training seminar cosponsored by the Church. Photo courtesy of the Brazil Area.Newborn lives are being saved, he added, in the indigenous villages of northern Brazil and far beyond, thanks to the generosity of Church members worldwide who donate to the <a href="https://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/humanitarian-services/funds/humanitarian-general-fund">humanitarian fund</a>.The most recent Pediatric Neonatal Day was attended by dozens of doctors and nurses, along with 24 midwives from local communities and indigenous villages.The Church’s ongoing neonatal care effort in Brazil has gleaned attention outside the country’s medical community. Several news and television stations covered the gathering, allowing Elder Wilcox to utilize the Portuguese-language skills he learned as a young missionary in Brazil during multiple media interviews.Some wore shirts and ties while others donned the colorful skirts and the traditional beadwork of local indigenous tribes. Most spoke Portuguese as their first language, but some conversed in their native Guajajára. Many held advanced degrees. A few could not read or write.“The whole purpose of the course is to identify when a baby is having problems at the moment of birth,” said Elder Wilcox. “The key thing is then grabbing a bag and mask to ventilate the baby. In the course, we teach [care providers] how to use the bag and mask properly.”“The course was wonderful, and it will help a lot,” Maria Jose, a midwife from the Sao Jose Ribamar community who has been delivering babies for 35 years, told Newsroom in Brazil.The Church’s neonatal resuscitation efforts in Brazil are made possible through local partnerships, he said. He and other medical missionaries enjoy time-tested relationships with health and physician organizations in Brazil sharing a commitment to saving newborn babies.Working with the indigenous midwives marked a special opportunity for Elder and Sister Wilcox.Maria Jose added she planned to return to her community and share the things she has learned with fellow midwives.At first glance, the people who gathered recently inside a Sao Luis stake center in northern Brazil seemed a disparate group.Elder Wilcox has become a familiar face at the annual gathering in Brazil. A pediatrician from American Fork, Utah, he has spent more than a decade teaching and working with local medical providers. He and his wife, Gretchen, a labor and delivery nurse, are medical missionaries assigned to the maternal/newborn care project, one of the Church’s major welfare initiatives.“It’s been a lot of fun going back to Brazil and once again wear the missionary name tag, even though it’s in a completely different role,” he said.“I’m better prepared now,” she said.But all shared a common, even sacred, purpose: keeping babies alive in the sometimes perilous first moments after birth.So it is critical that the doctors or midwives delivering the babies possess the know-how and proper equipment to respond immediately.In response, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Society of Pediatrics of Maranhao once again partnered last October to host the Pediatric Neonatal Day—an annual course that trains local health professionals in advanced techniques of neonatal resuscitation.“The partnership with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is so valuable,” said Marynea Silva do Vale, a pediatrician and president of the Society of Child Care and Pediatrics of Maranhao. “Together, we have been able to promote training once a year in Brazil in places where child mortality is very pronounced.”“It’s been so rewarding to work with the midwives because they are so excited that people are taking time out to help them,” said Elder Wilcox. “It’s hoped that we can make a huge impact on [decreasing] the infant mortality rates in their communities.”Brazil’s Maranhao region, which is home to thousands of indigenous people, has a high infant mortality rate. There are 16.3 deaths per thousand births, according to the Ministry of Health.The burgeoning friendship between the Church medical missionaries and the midwives is anchored in respect and professional fellowship. The Wilcoxes have met some midwives who have performed hundreds of newborn deliveries in their respective villages.Babies not being able to breathe at birth cause most infant deaths, said Elder Ryan Wilcox, a physician and Church medical missionary. “Nine out of 10 babies are fine at birth—it’s the 10 percent that need help, and most of the time it is often just a matter of simply opening their lungs up quickly.”
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/10/350-indigenous-midwives-saving-newborn-lives-in-brazil-thanks-to_4.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Church medical missionary Elder Ryan Wilcox, center, is joined at a neonatal care training seminar by Brazilian pediatricians Dr. Marynea Silva do Vale, left, and Dr. Patricia Marques. Photo courtesy of the Brazil Area.</p>
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A veteran pediatrician, Elder Wilcox said he still discovers wonder in the birth of a healthy baby. Many of the people he works with in Brazil come from starkly different backgrounds, but they share his joy in welcoming little ones to the world.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-provided-training-equipment-helps-indigenous-midwives-save-newborns-in-brazil?lang=eng#1764603402Thu, 17 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
A Closer Look at Symbolism of Christus and Ancient Apostles Statues in Rome
https://www.lds.org/church/news/a-closer-look-at-symbolism-of-christus-and-ancient-apostles-statues-in-rome?lang=eng
<p> A close replica in Rome of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s statue of Philip, one of the Twelve Apostles, does not hold a small cross like the original, at the visitors’ center for the Rome Temple in Rome, Italy, on Friday, November 16, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News. Bertel Thorvaldsen’s statue of Paul holds a sword at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. The Twelve Apostles statues were carved out of Carrara marble between 1829 and 1848. Replicas of the statues are now on display in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center in Italy. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.Keys. A bag of money. An eagle. And numerous instruments representing a martyr’s death.James is depicted holding a shepherd’s staff or walking stick and sporting hat behind his left shoulder. Tradition has James preaching in Spain, with many Christian pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago route to Santiago de Compostela, believed by some to be the Apostle’s burial location.The statue in Copenhagen is holding a small cross, since tradition has Philip often preaching of Christ’s crucifixion as well as being crucified upside down.<b>Simon Zelotes (Simon Zelotes)</b> Bertel Thorvaldsen’s statue of James the elder, one of the Twelve Apostles, holds a staff at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. The Twelve Apostles statues were carved out of Carrara marble between 1829 and 1848. Replicas of the statues are now on display in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center in Italy. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.Those are some of the symbols found on the 12 ancient Apostles statues by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, which have been featured in the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, for nearly 200 years and now at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Rome Italy Temple Visitors’ Center.<b>Paul (Paulus)</b>Portrayals often show Andrew with a book or scroll and accompanied by an X-shaped cross suggesting or representing the legend of his death in Patras, Greece. Bertel Thorvaldsen’s statue of Matthew, one of the Twelve Apostles, holds a tablet at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. There is also a bag of money by his feet, in reference to his former job as a tax collector. The Twelve Apostles statues were carved out of Carrara marble between 1829 and 1848. Replicas of the statues are now on display in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center in Italy. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.<b>James, brother of John (Iacobus Frater Iohannes)</b>Each base bearing an Apostle statue has inscribed a Greek equivalent of that Apostle’s name. The larger <i>Christus</i> statue has a shorter base with “Venite a Me” and “Matteo 11:28”—Italian for “Come unto Me” and <a href="/scriptures/nt/matt/11.28-30?lang=eng#27" target="_blank" class="sense-link">Matthew 11:28</a>, which reads, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Bertel Thorvaldsen’s James, the son of Alpheus, at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. The Twelve Apostles statues were carved out of Carrara marble between 1829 and 1848. Replicas of the statues are now on display in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center in Italy. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News. Bertel Thorvaldsen’s statue of John, one of the Twelve Apostles, is shown without a beard at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. The Twelve Apostles statues were carved out of Carrara marble between 1829 and 1848. Replicas of the statues are now on display in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center in Italy. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.In collections of Apostle statues, Paul often takes the place of Judas Iscariot. In his left hand, he holds a sword. Traditions have Paul suffering death under Emperor Nero sometime between 62 and 68 AD. As a Roman citizen, Paul was spared crucifixion and is believed to have been beheaded instead. Bertel Thorvaldsen’s statue of Paul holds a sword at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. The Twelve Apostles statues were carved out of Carrara marble between 1829 and 1848. Replicas of the statues are now on display in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center in Italy. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News. The pierced hand of a replica of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s <em>Christus</em> statue in the visitors’ center for the Rome Temple in Rome, Italy, on Friday, November 16, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.<b>Thomas (Thomas)</b> Thomas, one of the Twelve Apostles statues, by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, holds a measuring tool at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. The statues were carved out of Carrara marble between 1829 and 1848. Replicas of the statues are now on display in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center in Italy. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.<b>John (Iohannes)</b>Tradition has this James—who is shown holding a staff or a fuller’s club—being stoned and beaten to death with such a club near the temple in Jerusalem. Bertel Thorvaldsen’s statue of Andrew, one of the Twelve Apostles, holds a scroll at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. The Twelve Apostles statues were carved out of Carrara marble between 1829 and 1848. Replicas of the statues are now on display in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center in Italy. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.The lack of a beard underscores the youth of John, and the writing slate and pencil symbolize his role as an evangelist and one of the authors of the four Gospels. At his feet is an eagle, which was one of the winged creatures mentioned in <a href="/scriptures/nt/rev/4.7?lang=eng#6" target="_blank" class="sense-link">Revelation 4:7</a>, with John the author of that New Testament book.<b>Philip (Philippus)</b>Thomas holds a builder’s square, given that an ancient story has Thomas building a palace for King Gudaphara in India. Since the “doubting” Thomas didn’t initially believe in the first reports of the Savior’s Resurrection until he touched the wounds of crucifixion, the square symbolizes his belief in things “measured and weighed.”Like fellow evangelist John, the statue of Matthew holds a writing slate and a pencil. Beside the right foot is a bag of money, with Matthew’s original profession being a tax collector.The keys held in Peter’s right hand are symbolic of <a href="/scriptures/nt/matt/16.19?lang=eng#18" target="_blank" class="sense-link">Matthew 16:19</a>, where Christ tells Peter, “I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”This statue holds a halberd, which is a long-handled medieval weapon combining a spear and a battle-ax. Stories have Judas Thaddeus suffering a martyr’s death in Persia. <img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/14/350-christus-and-apostles-statues-10.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/><b>Judas Thaddeus (Judas Thaddaeus)</b> Bertel Thorvaldsen’s statue of John, one of the Twelve Apostles, holds a tablet at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. The Twelve Apostles statues were carved out of Carrara marble between 1829 and 1848. Replicas of the statues are now on display in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center in Italy. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.<b>James, son of Alpheus (Iacobus Alphaeus Filius)</b> Bertel Thorvaldsen’s statue of Peter, one of the Twelve Apostles, holds keys at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. The Twelve Apostles statues were carved out of Carrara marble between 1829 and 1848. Replicas of the statues are now on display in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center in Italy. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News. Bertel Thorvaldsen’s statue of Peter, one of the Twelve Apostles, holds keys at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. The Twelve Apostles statues were carved out of Carrara marble between 1829 and 1848. Replicas of the statues are now on display in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center in Italy. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.The <i>Christus</i> statue is seen with outstretched arms as welcoming, inviting, enveloping, with the hands and feet of the resurrected Christ shown with the wounds of the crucifixion. That differs from other similar statues and depictions of the Savior either suffering through the crucifixion or with arms reaching upward in a show of power. Bertel Thorvaldsen’s James, the son of Alpheus, holds a staff at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. The Twelve Apostles statues were carved out of Carrara marble between 1829 and 1848. Replicas of the statues are now on display in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center in Italy. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.<b>Andrew, brother of Peter (Andreas Frater Petri)</b> Bertel Thorvaldsen’s statue of Matthew, one of the Twelve Apostles, holds a tablet at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. The Twelve Apostles statues were carved out of Carrara marble between 1829 and 1848. Replicas of the statues are now on display in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center in Italy. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News. Thomas, one of the Twelve Apostles statues, by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. The statues were carved out of Carrara marble between 1829 and 1848. Replicas of the statues are now on display in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center in Italy. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News. A winged child that was part of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s original statue of Matthew in Copenhagen is not part of this replica at the visitors’ center for the Rome Temple in Rome, Italy, on Friday, November 16, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News. Bertel Thorvaldsen’s statue of Philip, one of the Twelve Apostles, holds a small cross at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News. Judas Thaddeus, one of the Twelve Apostles statues by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, holds a halberd as a symbol of his martyrdom, at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. The statues were carved out of Carrara marble between 1829 and 1848. Replicas of the statues are now on display in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center in Italy. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.<b>Matthew (Matthaeus)</b>The following are some of the representations of symbolism found with Thorvaldsen’s statues of the 12 ancient Apostles.<b>Peter (Petrus)</b> Bertel Thorvaldsen’s original <em>Christus</em> statue is in the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News. Bertel Thorvaldsen’s statue of Simon, one of the Twelve Apostles, holds a saw at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. The Twelve Apostles statues were carved out of Carrara marble between 1829 and 1848. Replicas of the statues are now on display in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center in Italy. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News. Bertel Thorvaldsen’s statue of John, one of the Twelve Apostles, holds a tablet at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. The Twelve Apostles statues were carved out of Carrara marble between 1829 and 1848. Replicas of the statues are now on display in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center in Italy. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News. Bertel Thorvaldsen’s statue of James the elder, one of the Twelve Apostles, holds a staff at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. The Twelve Apostles statues were carved out of Carrara marble between 1829 and 1848. Replicas of the statues are now on display in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center in Italy. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News. Bertel Thorvaldsen’s statue of Bartholomew, one of the Twelve Apostles, holds a knife at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. The Twelve Apostles statues were carved out of Carrara marble between 1829 and 1848. Replicas of the statues are now on display in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center in Italy. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News. Bertel Thorvaldsen’s statue of Andrew, one of the Twelve Apostles, holds a scroll and a large X-shaped cross at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. The Twelve Apostles statues were carved out of Carrara marble between 1829 and 1848. Replicas of the statues are now on display in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center in Italy. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.The saw held in front represents the tradition of Simon Zelotes’s death in Persia.The knife being held conveys the legend of his death at the command of the king of Armenia.<strong>Christus</strong><b>Bartholomew (Batholomeaus)</b> Judas Thaddeus, one of the Twelve Apostles statues by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, holds a halberd as a symbol of his martyrdom, at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. The statues were carved out of Carrara marble between 1829 and 1848. Replicas of the statues are now on display in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center in Italy. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News. Bertel Thorvaldsen’s statue of Simon, one of the Twelve Apostles, holds a saw at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. The Twelve Apostles statues were carved out of Carrara marble between 1829 and 1848. Replicas of the statues are now on display in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center in Italy. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/a-closer-look-at-symbolism-of-christus-and-ancient-apostles-statues-in-rome?lang=eng#777515652Thu, 17 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
What’s Coming from FamilySearch in 2019
https://www.lds.org/church/news/whats-coming-from-familysearch-in-2019?lang=eng
<p><strong>Family Tree and</strong> <strong>friends, associates, and neighbor (FAN) relationships</strong>The free FamilySearch <a href="https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Femail.prnewswire.com%2Fwf%2Fclick%3Fupn%3DIx6O9V0QEvgdesCrrLBOc-2FmQ-2BIo9Pcj6yZo3VRAqST-2BuTl85Os0wr6AbHhyyDXdw0gFXyHkY-2BQKbT7x4URoO-2BbxhOP22rkWqNHM7XxG1EVuZn-2B-2BuQSKZrV243-2BxRhIZRH-2FFVIWeo7HoLP-2BWLqWpRyGRJ-2Fw6tWXd3JuD0ZJlSfp-2FP6RA-2BTVaduODPik4mmOYfY63Ki6rWc4KoV4JhTcjMw4J-2Ft-2F2feDenPtldxjvb-2B-2FoMXHtyQwzG-2BTRSBQpc0T5H_orG4EvjNcWyMLWPLZyI3UT-2FtZya6HVxx92fqxn-2Fb-2FdS9t75NKwIaIc22l-2B2M1SqI2ecH3WSxd1QZojoEuAJr3VLR1YyNXgLbcvFoen9x9-2BA6hq6flopAQ-2FyQrMzIuJrTNaC8843F-2BzvsbGUp3iW4HrKHIOcsgKpHFYZBC6Bi4lu8Tu0J2wFwaLlPQzxQLbRchT-2FI7u3-2FYy5yzRm3sTkJm4nSGnbMb7nUVxhD1tYkX5O3OGECrG9D2Fq5T-2BiYvHZn5GXaToH-2Fhp26D-2FHYRABekhQOgOs8k3uWiqCNL3Z3DcML3zOhoaSxUmfQKhpS1Tt9&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cwestcamie%40ldschurch.org%7C8ae67a8b598644037da608d674be20db%7C61e6eeb35fd74aaaae3c61e8deb09b79%7C0%7C0%7C636824757281597775&amp;sdata=%2BTQY3y4GyvfojZRLjWiu4orfNrFcWaAAFwC6QuS9wTw%3D&amp;reserved=0">Family Tree</a> will give users the ability to record other relationships to an ancestor beyond immediate family members, when applicable, such as friends, associates, and neighbors (FAN). This function will aid research by allowing users to record information about other people living in an ancestor’s household as noted in a historical record, such as boarders or staff.<li><strong>All about Me.</strong> Have you ever wondered about the origin and meaning of your name or what events happened in the year you were born? The All about Me experience will allow you to discover these fun things about yourself and also about your ancestors.</li><li><strong>Record My Story.</strong> Priceless stories and memories from you or family members can be recorded on Record My Story and added—by text or audio—to <a href="https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Femail.prnewswire.com%2Fwf%2Fclick%3Fupn%3DIx6O9V0QEvgdesCrrLBOc-2FmQ-2BIo9Pcj6yZo3VRAqST-2BuTl85Os0wr6AbHhyyDXdw0gFXyHkY-2BQKbT7x4URoO-2BbxhOP22rkWqNHM7XxG1EVuZn-2B-2BuQSKZrV243-2BxRhIZRH-2FFVIWeo7HoLP-2BWLqWpRyGRJ-2Fw6tWXd3JuD0ZJlSfp-2FP6RA-2BTVaduODPik4mmOYfY63Ki6rWc4KoV4JhTcjMwyzgC4WbcnXqfX8w9QNE8dtZHIcKqxpJwVgBK6HKPk4s_orG4EvjNcWyMLWPLZyI3UT-2FtZya6HVxx92fqxn-2Fb-2FdS9t75NKwIaIc22l-2B2M1SqI2ecH3WSxd1QZojoEuAJr3VLR1YyNXgLbcvFoen9x9-2BA6hq6flopAQ-2FyQrMzIuJrTNaC8843F-2BzvsbGUp3iW4HrKHIOcsgKpHFYZBC6Bi4ludg6LEFaTcUoLDn12EssCYzpblNR4F-2FCRuPnwGfqPn612CJ3W87M0y2PR5ANA3N4IqKOnT5t5XrOyp3CAg2VaZ2-2Bh-2Fte2DIfoFhXvcALak3mS-2F408MHZopSwhqmWcHAJ5HGbeKdprvgL-2BkCgpvjRNU&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cwestcamie%40ldschurch.org%7C8ae67a8b598644037da608d674be20db%7C61e6eeb35fd74aaaae3c61e8deb09b79%7C0%7C0%7C636824757281597775&amp;sdata=tgi%2F%2BAv%2Fw36%2F9kTsdrwZm2t1b0g15qcjberf8lkPiHs%3D&amp;reserved=0">FamilySearch.org</a> or downloaded to another source.</li>FamilySearch is a global leader in the growing family history market segment, serving 12 million users worldwide.Millions of people use <a href="https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Femail.prnewswire.com%2Fwf%2Fclick%3Fupn%3DIx6O9V0QEvgdesCrrLBOc-2FmQ-2BIo9Pcj6yZo3VRAqST-2BuTl85Os0wr6AbHhyyDXdw0gFXyHkY-2BQKbT7x4URoO-2BbxhOP22rkWqNHM7XxG1EVuZn-2B-2BuQSKZrV243-2BxRhIZRH-2FFVIWeo7HoLP-2BWLqWpRyGRJ-2Fw6tWXd3JuD0ZJlSfp-2FP6RA-2BTVaduODPik4mmOYfY63Ki6rWc4KoV4JhTcjMw7hzeWecTsS5s0KwWuSMH4ViVQkBMrkcsYns8t4RO5Qm_orG4EvjNcWyMLWPLZyI3UT-2FtZya6HVxx92fqxn-2Fb-2FdS9t75NKwIaIc22l-2B2M1SqI2ecH3WSxd1QZojoEuAJr3VLR1YyNXgLbcvFoen9x9-2BA6hq6flopAQ-2FyQrMzIuJrTNaC8843F-2BzvsbGUp3iW4HrKHIOcsgKpHFYZBC6Bi4lu3U04BYZ5UhuBxvlNNQjroU13aGs8106EDcvx1IbmH9qqn5G-2B43r3Z-2F2VXU2i5vu-2B8kwc-2Be2uVn0OUPdmBlEqGwt56O-2F-2BGNEaVXnyEvrQDWXBkmSYay8BWTjCjF7CpBfueEqldFDKaPTexqbZtchp0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cwestcamie%40ldschurch.org%7C8ae67a8b598644037da608d674be20db%7C61e6eeb35fd74aaaae3c61e8deb09b79%7C0%7C0%7C636824757281617806&amp;sdata=4KV1cM1Sanz6HMVcP2BG2EyktHhkvNNGvdtt%2Bdotr4o%3D&amp;reserved=0">FamilySearch Memories</a> to record, preserve, and share their family photos, historical documents, and stories. In 2019, users will be able to record audio remembrances related to a photo they have uploaded. Memories will also give users the capability to organize items in an album according to their interests or needs.<strong>RootsTech London 2019</strong>For the first time, fun discovery experiences that have been available only at life-sized, interactive kiosks in select FamilySearch venues will also be available on <a href="https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Femail.prnewswire.com%2Fwf%2Fclick%3Fupn%3DIx6O9V0QEvgdesCrrLBOc-2FmQ-2BIo9Pcj6yZo3VRAqST-2BuTl85Os0wr6AbHhyyDXdw0gFXyHkY-2BQKbT7x4URoO-2BbxhOP22rkWqNHM7XxG1EVuZn-2B-2BuQSKZrV243-2BxRhIZRH-2FFVIWeo7HoLP-2BWLqWpRyGRJ-2Fw6tWXd3JuD0ZJlSfp-2FP6RA-2BTVaduODPik4mmOYfY63Ki6rWc4KoV4JhTcjMwyzgC4WbcnXqfX8w9QNE8dtZHIcKqxpJwVgBK6HKPk4s_orG4EvjNcWyMLWPLZyI3UT-2FtZya6HVxx92fqxn-2Fb-2FdS9t75NKwIaIc22l-2B2M1SqI2ecH3WSxd1QZojoEuAJr3VLR1YyNXgLbcvFoen9x9-2BA6hq6flopAQ-2FyQrMzIuJrTNaC8843F-2BzvsbGUp3iW4HrKHIOcsgKpHFYZBC6Bi4lvcO5XwSUKqxlQ-2BTWmlTqL7-2F1qLY2-2BOmUbY4tB8KW3cmpMXhK59gkNxHVOkf1ezye0BWEbmXUWAgNSxVARnKUafTQzDodtPYq-2BcK57f-2BZcpXqouG9spObYjtblojZ6DZdo3RrXKXsBEN5xi-2Fkz759NB&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cwestcamie%40ldschurch.org%7C8ae67a8b598644037da608d674be20db%7C61e6eeb35fd74aaaae3c61e8deb09b79%7C0%7C0%7C636824757281587765&amp;sdata=oTF%2FXaGuoNKv8VauKxflUAwJRye6BA7OyJCHarvN3Pg%3D&amp;reserved=0">FamilySearch.org</a> in 2019. Making these three <a href="https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Femail.prnewswire.com%2Fwf%2Fclick%3Fupn%3DIx6O9V0QEvgdesCrrLBOc-2FmQ-2BIo9Pcj6yZo3VRAqST-2BuTl85Os0wr6AbHhyyDXdw0gFXyHkY-2BQKbT7x4URoO-2BbxhOP22rkWqNHM7XxG1EVuZn-2B-2BuQSKZrV243-2BxRhIZRH-2FFVIWeo7HoLP-2BWLqWpRyGRJ-2Fw6tWXd3JuD0ZJlSfp-2FP6RA-2BTVaduODPik4mmOYfY63Ki6rWc4KoV4JhTcjMw4u67aKILAILmSPOzhbVJ4PfIFkfQwrHH0wAwJIaEO9W_orG4EvjNcWyMLWPLZyI3UT-2FtZya6HVxx92fqxn-2Fb-2FdS9t75NKwIaIc22l-2B2M1SqI2ecH3WSxd1QZojoEuAJr3VLR1YyNXgLbcvFoen9x9-2BA6hq6flopAQ-2FyQrMzIuJrTNaC8843F-2BzvsbGUp3iW4HrKHIOcsgKpHFYZBC6Bi4lvMx4jGxBylczZDheqEtrFsGfj0snAAA48VW2gNYrRwb34mUR-2FMQ81JxkKux1CKMFzbOAYgwQ5YxxKPtOt-2Fih9ZkhYjTPH5ae-2F8eOoXzGlen-2BZaOoiPTJxr4h8hWszq1dJVzmJSAXxq1-2FVtA81kdyvH&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cwestcamie%40ldschurch.org%7C8ae67a8b598644037da608d674be20db%7C61e6eeb35fd74aaaae3c61e8deb09b79%7C0%7C0%7C636824757281587765&amp;sdata=bxZ%2BnAWo%2BCHITaOYoRARssU2dlCj87Spj5NuTeYDKPU%3D&amp;reserved=0">discovery experiences</a> available online will expand the reach of the activities to more patrons globally.The <a href="https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Femail.prnewswire.com%2Fwf%2Fclick%3Fupn%3DIx6O9V0QEvgdesCrrLBOc-2FmQ-2BIo9Pcj6yZo3VRAqST-2BuTl85Os0wr6AbHhyyDXdw0gFXyHkY-2BQKbT7x4URoO-2BbxhOP22rkWqNHM7XxG1EVuZn-2B-2BuQSKZrV243-2BxRhIZRH-2FFVIWeo7HoLP-2BWLqWpRyGRJ-2Fw6tWXd3JuD0ZJlSfp-2FP6RA-2BTVaduODPik4mmOYfY63Ki6rWc4KoV4JhTcjMw7OQky9hqlQkrCXMkQPlDpYxBLfA8-2FjkbNoNg97-2Be4Jp_orG4EvjNcWyMLWPLZyI3UT-2FtZya6HVxx92fqxn-2Fb-2FdS9t75NKwIaIc22l-2B2M1SqI2ecH3WSxd1QZojoEuAJr3VLR1YyNXgLbcvFoen9x9-2BA6hq6flopAQ-2FyQrMzIuJrTNaC8843F-2BzvsbGUp3iW4HrKHIOcsgKpHFYZBC6Bi4luKUQsaLRrezkT-2BbCtFI6tW9pd9VKShFA77aZgtbybvg6GRyem773G3Hgpjlzgqzlmg9WAY7uGd6adTeFXi70P4Q-2FQRM0ZSl19FJJdYIsDo7JiUD7IhS-2F-2BVJJcAqu9WROQQ4xhSoaRN9S99sinc90-2Bh&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cwestcamie%40ldschurch.org%7C8ae67a8b598644037da608d674be20db%7C61e6eeb35fd74aaaae3c61e8deb09b79%7C0%7C0%7C636824757281627798&amp;sdata=UjgUrgjSEurk5cbUxTXv%2Bp%2FCVD0jgec3yS0aMgE4Vd8%3D&amp;reserved=0">RootsTech London 2019</a> convention will not replace the <a href="https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Femail.prnewswire.com%2Fwf%2Fclick%3Fupn%3DIx6O9V0QEvgdesCrrLBOc-2FmQ-2BIo9Pcj6yZo3VRAqST-2BuTl85Os0wr6AbHhyyDXdw0gFXyHkY-2BQKbT7x4URoO-2BbxhOP22rkWqNHM7XxG1EVuZn-2B-2BuQSKZrV243-2BxRhIZRH-2FFVIWeo7HoLP-2BWLqWpRyGRJ-2Fw6tWXd3JuD0ZJlSfp-2FP6RA-2BTVaduODPik4mmOYfY63Ki6rWc4KoV4JhTcjMw-2FqKmB9XAMEUaCA9B6plkw1aNm9z124tQqT5AHgbLVa0_orG4EvjNcWyMLWPLZyI3UT-2FtZya6HVxx92fqxn-2Fb-2FdS9t75NKwIaIc22l-2B2M1SqI2ecH3WSxd1QZojoEuAJr3VLR1YyNXgLbcvFoen9x9-2BA6hq6flopAQ-2FyQrMzIuJrTNaC8843F-2BzvsbGUp3iW4HrKHIOcsgKpHFYZBC6Bi4ltoekTF6MM2jQFCQoWwB9qy3-2BvUwdwDQpI9wO8q27O5vV1TBHRoxpHTqBsDev-2BEIKq30ciike8nDUQojVTCchWs3akagSAueGkezlRGZ3Bj-2B06oa5ZLr9iKZ0iquOO0R-2F79hR3-2FRGFg5FoBn7YwAPy3&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cwestcamie%40ldschurch.org%7C8ae67a8b598644037da608d674be20db%7C61e6eeb35fd74aaaae3c61e8deb09b79%7C0%7C0%7C636824757281627798&amp;sdata=tugHT%2F3%2F7nJocp%2FgYMHRVBFcjetLazpwwKhY7OWNzEI%3D&amp;reserved=0">annual conference in Salt Lake City</a> (held on February 27–March 2, 2019) but will be an additional RootsTech event. Registration for RootsTech London opens in February 2019.The FamilySearch Family Tree search capacity will be significantly updated to provide faster and better results. Another innovation will allow search engines such as Google to present names and limited facts from Family Tree to online search queries without the searcher being signed into <a href="https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Femail.prnewswire.com%2Fwf%2Fclick%3Fupn%3DIx6O9V0QEvgdesCrrLBOc-2FmQ-2BIo9Pcj6yZo3VRAqST-2BuTl85Os0wr6AbHhyyDXdw0gFXyHkY-2BQKbT7x4URoO-2BbxhOP22rkWqNHM7XxG1EVuZn-2B-2BuQSKZrV243-2BxRhIZRH-2FFVIWeo7HoLP-2BWLqWpRyGRJ-2Fw6tWXd3JuD0ZJlSfp-2FP6RA-2BTVaduODPik4mmOYfY63Ki6rWc4KoV4JhTcjMwyzgC4WbcnXqfX8w9QNE8dtZHIcKqxpJwVgBK6HKPk4s_orG4EvjNcWyMLWPLZyI3UT-2FtZya6HVxx92fqxn-2Fb-2FdS9t75NKwIaIc22l-2B2M1SqI2ecH3WSxd1QZojoEuAJr3VLR1YyNXgLbcvFoen9x9-2BA6hq6flopAQ-2FyQrMzIuJrTNaC8843F-2BzvsbGUp3iW4HrKHIOcsgKpHFYZBC6Bi4luHE2xzk5e2gMct4SDq8p8ZgwxYOZM8weC20G3UobsUTBLgLDGucpWAj6hWr7D1670e7cMRamc0XBG5-2FUJsPxaMJFovblWhLqn2-2B9mh7w6aL4T6TbxqmrXCbhvTUHcbg5LTTiSCZ89Rjl1w66SyczZq&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cwestcamie%40ldschurch.org%7C8ae67a8b598644037da608d674be20db%7C61e6eeb35fd74aaaae3c61e8deb09b79%7C0%7C0%7C636824757281617806&amp;sdata=AAlsHC9TIAZKuF4j5UcREL0bDA%2FDL%2BFdVwfQzry6Z9A%3D&amp;reserved=0">FamilySearch.org</a>. This feature will enable millions of people searching for their ancestors online to discover the vast, free services FamilySearch offers them.In addition to over 300 million additional historical records and images for family history discoveries, look for the following new offerings in 2019.The popular, free genealogy website <a href="https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Femail.prnewswire.com%2Fwf%2Fclick%3Fupn%3DIx6O9V0QEvgdesCrrLBOc-2FmQ-2BIo9Pcj6yZo3VRAqST-2BuTl85Os0wr6AbHhyyDXdw0gFXyHkY-2BQKbT7x4URoO-2BbxhOP22rkWqNHM7XxG1EVuZn-2B-2BuQSKZrV243-2BxRhIZRH-2FFVIWeo7HoLP-2BWLqWpRyGRJ-2Fw6tWXd3JuD0ZJlSfp-2FP6RA-2BTVaduODPik4mmOYfY63Ki6rWc4KoV4JhTcjMwyzgC4WbcnXqfX8w9QNE8dtZHIcKqxpJwVgBK6HKPk4s_orG4EvjNcWyMLWPLZyI3UT-2FtZya6HVxx92fqxn-2Fb-2FdS9t75NKwIaIc22l-2B2M1SqI2ecH3WSxd1QZojoEuAJr3VLR1YyNXgLbcvFoen9x9-2BA6hq6flopAQ-2FyQrMzIuJrTNaC8843F-2BzvsbGUp3iW4HrKHIOcsgKpHFYZBC6Bi4ltG46ICVXiMTyPIIKoYJPZXQn88UvwM7I4XR7hxYRs9f2Cbmh1uHl86KYHRCWZnWSha8YyQ-2FLSnsHAyPfyw1zh2NjMoJ8Q-2FrT15CzY4nRh7jgzhsfYmQVd5aeezbxLzDAgg1Vrcip1rLBBh5wTIzfkZ&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cwestcamie%40ldschurch.org%7C8ae67a8b598644037da608d674be20db%7C61e6eeb35fd74aaaae3c61e8deb09b79%7C0%7C0%7C636824757281577760&amp;sdata=BSon3hKWkdisrTYdRfp%2FwL8LUf%2Be6V1yPG39p0XAkmU%3D&amp;reserved=0">FamilySearch.org</a> announced its 2019 plans to enhance its record search and Family Tree search capabilities and introduce new interactive discovery experiences. The first international version of the highly successful RootsTech family history conference will be held in London on October 24–26, 2019, at the ExCel London Convention Center.<strong>Updated find capability</strong><strong>Online interactive discovery experiences</strong><li><strong>Picture My Heritage.</strong> This simple and fun experience lets you insert yourself digitally into traditional clothing related to your heritage. On Picture My Heritage, you can save your custom photos or share them with friends and family.</li>FamilySearch will continue to develop site experiences that enable families to connect with their ancestral homelands near and far. <a href="https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Femail.prnewswire.com%2Fwf%2Fclick%3Fupn%3DIx6O9V0QEvgdesCrrLBOc-2FmQ-2BIo9Pcj6yZo3VRAqST-2BuTl85Os0wr6AbHhyyDXdw0gFXyHkY-2BQKbT7x4URoO-2BbxhOP22rkWqNHM7XxG1EVuZn-2B-2BuQSKZrV243-2BxRhIZRH-2FFVIWeo7HoLP-2BWLqWpRyGRJ-2Fw6tWXd3JuD0ZJlSfp-2FP6RA-2BTVaduODPik4mmOYfY63Ki6rWc4KoV4JhTcjMwyzgC4WbcnXqfX8w9QNE8dtZHIcKqxpJwVgBK6HKPk4s_orG4EvjNcWyMLWPLZyI3UT-2FtZya6HVxx92fqxn-2Fb-2FdS9t75NKwIaIc22l-2B2M1SqI2ecH3WSxd1QZojoEuAJr3VLR1YyNXgLbcvFoen9x9-2BA6hq6flopAQ-2FyQrMzIuJrTNaC8843F-2BzvsbGUp3iW4HrKHIOcsgKpHFYZBC6Bi4luxGJJiDq2Rf8Q9ftKmTm5L21YnFH7UZrxibb-2FkyF0STaBaat055G8u5vFgqOxrYgsev1VqAfWKffkf0iVOR9wj-2BJsbSj7QepqmoYxzflo8fX0VSU0zssqT7L2PRT-2Fcu1WvC-2Br0Z-2Fl47m8YDSGHcqgF&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cwestcamie%40ldschurch.org%7C8ae67a8b598644037da608d674be20db%7C61e6eeb35fd74aaaae3c61e8deb09b79%7C0%7C0%7C636824757281607788&amp;sdata=rU%2F4Jqcc51612Z1i6Qm420BoeGalm9%2FhxLwVNE%2Byapk%3D&amp;reserved=0">FamilySearch.org</a> will also provide more help throughout the site to make it easier for visitors to accomplish key tasks in a few simple steps.<strong>Memories</strong></p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/whats-coming-from-familysearch-in-2019?lang=eng#3027051442Thu, 17 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
From Copenhagen to Carrara to Rome: The Modern-Day Travels of Ancient-Apostle Statues
https://www.lds.org/church/news/from-copenhagen-to-carrara-to-rome-the-modern-day-travels-of-ancient-apostle-statues?lang=eng
<p> A replica of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s James, the son of Alpheus, or James the less, is on display with statues of the other Twelve Apostles in the visitors’ center for the Rome Temple in Rome, Italy, on Friday, November 16, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.“The <i>Christus</i> and Apostles were some of the first statues to be copied in mass production,” said Torgard of the clay, porcelain, and metal reproductions that sprang up. “People were going around Copenhagen with a tray on their head selling small porcelain statues. … It became a sign of being ‘educated’ if you had a figure of Thorvaldsen in your home, a sign of knowledge and appreciation of the symbolism.”
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/14/350-from-copenhagen-to-carrara-to-rome-the-modern-day-travels-of_1.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Locator map of Copenhagen, Denmark; Carrara, Italy; and Rome, Italy</p>
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Johannes Felder sculpts a marble statue at the Studi d'Arte Cave Michelangelo in Carrara, Italy, on Thursday, November 15, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.“There’s an opportunity for people who are unable to go into a temple to come to the visitors’ center, learn about the temple, learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ, and have an opportunity to be taught here while they’re looking at the temple.”The local companies and artisans appreciated the Church’s attention to detail and the decision to have the reproductions done at Carrara, as were Thorvaldsen’s originals, said Heather Evertsen, a Latter-day Saint living in Florence who operates tours in that city as well as throughout Tuscany and into the Carrara area and its quarries.The final touches and details—refined carving, sanding, and polishing by hand—were done by craftsmen and apprentices at Carrara’s Studi d’Arte Cave Michelangelo.Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770–1844) was born to a peasant mother and a wood-carving father; as an older child, he joined his father in the shipyards carving ship decorations. At age 11, Thorvaldsen was accepted into the Royal Danish Academy of Art, later earning a stipend to study in Rome, where he became a preeminent sculptor during his four decades there. Replicas of Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen’s Twelve Apostles statues are on display in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center in Rome, Italy, on Friday, November 16, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News. Simone Zanaglia measures where to cut Portuguese pink marble at TORART in Carrara, Italy, on Thursday, November 15, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.Like others across the globe, the Rome visitors’ center points people to the temple, says Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/brent-h-nielson?lang=eng">Brent H. Nielson</a>, a General Authority Seventy and Executive Director of the Church’s Missionary Department, which oversees such visitors’ centers.Thorvaldsen spent a couple of years on sketches and clay models for the <i>Christus</i>, with several accounts given on how the statue’s iconic outstretched arms came to be. One version is that a clay model’s arms softened overnight and drooped; another is that when Thorvaldsen was struggling to find a specific pose, he was inspired when greeted by a sympathetic visitor.During his apostolic assignments across Europe in 1950, Elder Stephen L. Richards visited Copenhagen and the cathedral and saw the statues. Impressed with the <i>Christus</i>, he arranged to have a reproduction of the statue made and delivered to Salt Lake City. That statue has been a focal point on Temple Square in Salt Lake City for more than a half-century, as featured in the North Visitors’ Center.The statues underscore the connection between the Holy Land, Rome, and Salt Lake City—the geography of the Bible with the city central to Christianity over the ages and now with the Latter-day Saints’ headquarters city in Utah.ROME, ITALYThe keys denote the Savior’s message to His lead Apostle in <a href="/scriptures/nt/matt/16.19?lang=eng#18" target="_blank">Matthew 16:19</a>: “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven,” or priesthood authority.A final clay model was finished in 1821, with castings made as the <i>Christus</i> went first from clay to plaster for its initial offering for the Church’s 1829 inauguration.The design resulted in a symbolic walk and flow, with no circumlocutious meandering like in other older cathedrals, said Susanne Torgard, curator and art historian at the Church of Our Lady for 15 years. Marble quarry in Carrara, Italy, on Thursday, November 15, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.“The beautiful view of the Savior looking at the temple is quite amazing to see,” Elder Nielson said.Thorvaldsen teamed with architect Christian Fredrik Hansen to create a new cathedral in a neoclassical style, showcasing Thorvaldsen’s statues. The Apostles—six to a side—lined the cathedral’s interior walls, with the <em>Christus</em> featured at the front.More recently, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints digitally mapped the statues in Copenhagen, quarried marble in Carrara to fashion the modern-day replicas, and then placed the reproductions within view of its new Rome Italy Temple, the Church’s first in a biblical land. Trucks move marble blocks at a marble quarry in Carrara, Italy, on Thursday, November 15, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News. Marble quarry in Carrara, Italy, on Thursday, November 15, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.The process of re-creating the statues links the centuries-old tradition of sculpting with today’s technology. Trucks travel over a bridge at the base of marble quarries in Carrara, Italy, on Thursday, November 15, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News. Rome Temple in Rome, Italy, on Friday, November 16, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/14/350-from-copenhagen-to-carrara-to-rome-the-modern-day-travels-of_31.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Bertel Thorvaldsen’s original <em>Christus</em> statue is in the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.</p>
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Similar to others of the era, the statues featured elements symbolizing the Apostles’ roles, teachings, or—in several cases—legends of their deaths as martyrs. Peter holds keys, while John and Matthew grasp writing instruments as evangelists who each wrote one of the four Gospels. Others are holding a club, a knife, or a saw.Also the Church is linking its longtime use of the <i>Christus</i> statue with this first-time display of Apostle statues in Rome and a key symbol found on one—the keys Peter holds in his right hand.Like the <i>Christus</i>, the Apostle statues were first done in plaster for their 1829 placement.The three valleys of more than 650 quarries produce an average of 30,000 tons a month, typically trucked out in 10-ton blocks.Fiberglass models have been delivered to other temple open houses prior to the respective dedications. The <i>Christus</i> image has also been featured in the past atop the Church’s website home page. Tools for cutting marble at TORART in Carrara, Italy, on Thursday, November 15, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.The accounts all cite President Kimball pointing to the statue of Peter and the keys, explaining the symbolism and saying: “We are the living Apostles. We hold the real keys, as Peter did, and we use them every day. They are in use constantly.” Rome Temple in Rome, Italy, on Friday, November 16, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.In 2008, then-President Thomas S. Monson announced plans for a temple in Rome, with the groundbreaking occurring two years later.And now, as the Church is poised to welcome the world to the first temple to be constructed here where ancient Apostles walked, the remarkable story of the statues and what they represent is ready to be told. A block of marble is marked to be cut at TORART in Carrara, Italy, on Thursday, November 15, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.But there’s more of a link here than just the three European cities.“We had to install them out of sequence, before a lot of the finishes were in, and then work around them,” said senior project manager Bret Woods, noting the painting and the installation of flooring, a high-wall mural, and rotunda windows that followed. “We had to protect them for the last two years because they are so delicate.”Marble from the Apuan Alps above the city of Carrara has been quarried since ancient Roman times, used originally for buildings, columns, benches, and stairways as well as ornamentation purposes such as tombstones, monuments, and sculptures. Carrara marble is featured in Rome’s Pantheon and Michelangelo’s <i>David</i> and <i>La Pieta</i> sculptures. The Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.Initially, the <i>Christus</i> didn’t get much attention outside of Denmark, until an American textbook at the end of the 19th century described it as “considered the most perfect statue of Christ in the world.” Today, copies of Thorvaldsen’s <i>Christus</i> can be found worldwide, used by various religions and in many different public settings, as well as available for purchase over the internet.In 1819, Thorvaldsen returned to Denmark, commissioned to create a collection of statues of Christ and 12 Apostles for a renovation of Copenhagen’s Church of Our Lady (Vor Frue Kirke).Within a year, the Church had initiated the process to replicate Thorvaldsen’s statues, receiving enthusiastic approval from officials of Copenhagen’s Church of Our Lady and the nearby Thorvaldsen Museum.Along with the <i>Christus</i> statue, Thorvaldsen crafted 12 statues of the ancient Apostles, replacing the traitor Judas Iscariot with Paul, a subsequent Apostle noted for his travels and epistles to church members throughout the Mediterranean, including Rome. Bertel Thorvaldsen’s statue of Peter, one of the Twelve Apostles, holds keys at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. The Twelve Apostles statues were carved out of Carrara marble between 1829 and 1848. Replicas of the statues are now on display in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center in Italy. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.<b>The quarries of Carrara</b>The moment has been recounted numerous times <span class="sense-link">in talks and messages </span>in each of the four decades since. Often mentioned is President Kimball’s acknowledgment that Thorvaldsen’s work timeline coincided with Joseph Smith’s efforts leading up to and including the Restoration, including the First Vision, the coming of the Book of Mormon, the organization of Church, and the restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood from Peter, James, and John.Numerous Latter-day Saint leaders and members have visited the Church of Our Lady over the many decades, including two noteworthy events. Rome Temple in Rome, Italy, on Sunday, November 18, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News. Bertel Thorvaldsen’s statue of Peter, one of the Twelve Apostles, at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. The Twelve Apostles statues were carved out of Carrara marble between 1829 and 1848. Replicas of the statues are now on display in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center in Italy. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.Granted after-hours access to the statues in Copenhagen, a Church team completed a precise digital mapping of each of the 13 statues, creating a detailed, three-dimensional computer image for each that would be used next in Carrara.When a 1976 series of area conferences concluded in Copenhagen, President Spencer W. Kimball took a group of senior Church leaders—including President N. Eldon Tanner of the First Presidency; Elders Thomas S. Monson,<span class="sense-link"> Boyd K. Packer</span>, and L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; and Elders <span class="sense-link">Rex D. Pinegar</span> and <span class="sense-link">Robert D. Hales</span> of the Council of the Seventy—with him to the Church of Our Lady, where President Kimball had previously visited.<b>The sculptor</b> Heather Evertsen shows what a sculpture looks like after it has been cut by machine but before it has been refined by hand, outside of TORART in Carrara, Italy, on Thursday, November 15, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.<b>The versions in marble</b><b>The placement of the statues</b>The ancient Apostles have traveled again, from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Carrara, Italy, and on to Rome. It’s the second time in as many centuries those cities have been linked with the likes of Peter, James, John, and Paul. Trucks move marble blocks at a marble quarry in Carrara, Italy, on Thursday, November 15, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.Subsequent financial collections provided funding to have the statues redone—in Carrara where the marble was quarried and then reworked, not by Thorvaldsen but by his workshops and artisans at the base of the quarries.As is the unique view of the 13 statues, he added. “It not only shows the Savior, but it shows His 12 Apostles—that He actually organized a church, that He called 12 Apostles, and that in the modern-day Church we have 12 Apostles too.”“They came back to the same place, the same quarry, even the same area of the mountain to re-create this project,” Evertsen said. “I think that’s pretty magical.”Featured in the rotunda of the visitors’ center, the <i>Christus</i> and Apostles statutes are presented as having a westward view over the complex’s plaza toward the new multistory temple. Blocks of marble in Carrara, Italy, on Thursday, November 15, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.Tracing its roots back to the 12th century, the building had suffered damage and destruction from fires, lightning, and human causes, the most recent the 1807 British bombardment during the Napoleonic Wars. Susanne Torgard, curator for the museum of the Church of Our Lady, talks about Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, who created <em>Christus</em> and the Twelve Apostles statues, at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News. Christmas markets light up Nyhavn in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.Today, Carrara white and blue-grey marble includes a myriad of residential and construction uses, from flooring and wall tiling to countertops to vases, bowls, and lamps. Carrara marble is often featured in Latter-day Saint temples too.“You walk up the aisle and you see the resurrected Christ, and then you walk out again, knowing He is behind you,” she said, adding that the architectural symmetry “makes it so that the only way you can walk is towards Christ.”The visitors’ center is just one of several facilities and services adjacent to the new Rome Italy Temple, along with patron housing, a stake center, and administrative offices all found with the 15-acre complex.Given a hero’s welcome back home, Thorvaldsen returned to Denmark for good in 1838, the same year the Church of Our Lady featured the 13 marble statues. Large and small copies of the <em>Christus</em> and Apostles statues were fashioned for public settings and for home, with the Danes displaying the replicas not only for their religious significance but as symbols of both art awareness and national pride.Subsequent statues have been displayed by the Church at its booth at the 1964 World’s Fair, several prominent Church history centers, and various temple visitors’ centers, from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., and from France to New Zealand.In the early 1800s, a Danish sculptor trained in Rome crafted sculptures of Jesus Christ and 12 New Testament Apostles—first of clay, then of plaster, and finally of Carrara marble, with all 13 destined for a redesigned Copenhagen cathedral.“You don’t see the pain, you don’t see the crucifixion, you don’t see the blood or the crown of thorns,” Torgard said of Thorvaldsen’s <i>Christus</i>. “Of course, you see the wounds in His hands and feet. You see Him standing here, that death is overcome and that He is welcoming.” Bertel Thorvaldsen’s <em>Christus</em> and Twelve Apostles statues are in the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.Regarded for employing the classic Greek style of flowing lines, slender faces, and close-in body postures rather than the day’s more expressive and flamboyant styles, Thorvaldsen earned commissions from nobility and royalty across the continent.With the facility’s roof already in place, the heavy statues had to be inserted horizontally by special cranes going through the opening of what would be the rotunda windows—no small task for the heavy statues. The <i>Christus</i> alone weighs some four tons and rises nearly 13 feet from base to top, while the 12 Apostle statues—scaled to three-quarters of the originals in Copenhagen—weigh about 1,000 pounds each.For the Rome replicas, tradition meshed with technology at Carrara’s Tor Art, as high-pressure water jets cut large marble blocks into rough, basic shapes, followed by robotic machines directed by 3-D imaging milling the marble even closer to the shape and contours of the original piece.While the Rome Italy Temple and its surrounding facilities are opening to the public for the first time this month, work on the Thorvaldsen statue replicas began the better part of a decade ago. The processes of digitally mapping the originals and crafting the replicas were featured in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44APAr51B9k" target="_blank" class="sense-link">a 2012 Church video report</a>. And a similar <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&amp;v=V4RlUeM-im0" target="_blank" class="sense-link">video report in March 2017</a> acknowledged their <a href="https://www.deseretnews.com/article/865676729/The-story-behind-the-statues-in-the-Rome-Italy-Temple-Visitors-Center.html" target="_blank" class="sense-link">placement in the Rome visitors’ center,</a> while work continued around them.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/from-copenhagen-to-carrara-to-rome-the-modern-day-travels-of-ancient-apostle-statues?lang=eng#2749553231Thu, 17 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Church Announces New Mission Presidents for 2019
https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-announces-new-mission-presidents-for-2019?lang=eng
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<tbody><tr><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 358.182px;"><strong><strong>NORTH AMERICA WEST AREA</strong></strong></th></tr><tr style="border: 1px solid rgb(235, 231, 221); color: rgb(176, 172, 161); text-transform: uppercase; background-color: rgb(244, 240, 231);"><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" rowspan="1" style="width: 358.182px;">MISSION NEW PRESIDENT and Companion </th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">California Bakersfield</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-mongolia-nigeria-honduras-and-more?lang=eng">Jonathan G. and Sharon Jannelli Sandberg</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">California Carlsbad</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-mongolia-nigeria-honduras-and-more?lang=eng">Weldon J. and Kathryn N. Reeves</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">California Los Angeles</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-guatemala-india-uganda-and-more?lang=eng">Valeri V. and Glenda Cordón</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">California San Bernardino<br/>
<sup>(Renamed from the California Redlands Mission)</sup></td><td colspan="1">Marshall A. and Jill A. McKinnon</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Hawaii Honolulu</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-mongolia-nigeria-honduras-and-more?lang=eng">Robert B. and Joni N. Walker</a></td></tr></tbody>
<tbody><tr><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 358.182px;">
<p><strong>2019 MISSION LEADERSHIP ASSIGNMENTS</strong></p>
</th></tr><tr><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 358.182px;"><strong>AFRICA SOUTHEAST AREA</strong></th></tr><tr style="border: 1px solid rgb(235, 231, 221); color: rgb(176, 172, 161); text-transform: uppercase; background-color: rgb(244, 240, 231);"><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" rowspan="1" style="width: 358.182px;">MISSION NEW PRESIDENT and Companion</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Angola Luanda</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Luis A. and Ruth Pinto</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Botswana/Namibia</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Jeffrey J. and Susan G. Anderson</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Democratic Republic of the Congo Kinshasa East</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Rion B. and Charlotte Needs</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Democratic Republic of the Congo Lubumbashi</td><td colspan="1">L. Jean Claude and Mimie Mabaya</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Democratic Republic of the Congo Mbuji-Mayi</td><td colspan="1">W. Jean-Pierre and Angel Lono</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Kenya Nairobi</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-australia-poland-mexico-and-more?lang=eng">Khumbulani and Futhi Mdletshe</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">South Africa Durban</td><td colspan="1">Tim R. and Lori Lines</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Uganda Kampala</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-guatemala-india-uganda-and-more?lang=eng">Walter and Diana Chatora</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Zambia Lusaka</td><td colspan="1">Alvin L. and H. Mokiana Sika</td></tr></tbody>
<tbody><tr><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 358.182px;"><strong><strong>NORTH AMERICA NORTHWEST AREA</strong></strong></th></tr><tr style="border: 1px solid rgb(235, 231, 221); color: rgb(176, 172, 161); text-transform: uppercase; background-color: rgb(244, 240, 231);"><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" rowspan="1" style="width: 358.182px;">MISSION NEW PRESIDENT and Companion</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Canada Vancouver</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-australia-poland-mexico-and-more?lang=eng">G. Blake and Jana Lee Wahlen</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Oregon Salem</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-guatemala-india-uganda-and-more?lang=eng">R. Scott and Sherry Ann Wilde</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Washington Everett</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-mongolia-nigeria-honduras-and-more?lang=eng">Aley K. and Danelle L. Y. Auna</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Washington Kennewick</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-guatemala-india-uganda-and-more?lang=eng">Edward R. and Carolyn Rasmussen</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Washington Seattle</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-ecuador-singapore-korea-and-more?lang=eng">Larry K. and Laurie Beardall</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Washington Vancouver</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-australia-poland-mexico-and-more?lang=eng">J. Scott and Lori L. Featherstone</a></td></tr></tbody>
<tbody><tr><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 358.182px;"><strong>SOUTH AMERICA SOUTH AREA</strong></th></tr><tr style="border: 1px solid rgb(235, 231, 221); color: rgb(176, 172, 161); text-transform: uppercase; background-color: rgb(244, 240, 231);"><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" rowspan="1" style="width: 358.182px;">MISSION NEW PRESIDENT and Companion</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Argentina Buenos Aires North</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-ecuador-singapore-korea-and-more?lang=eng">Leopoldo and Gabriela Zuñiga</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Argentina Buenos Aires South</td><td colspan="1">Martín P. and Gabriela Fernández</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Argentina Comodoro Rivadavia</td><td colspan="1">Adrián J. and Laura V. Camejo</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Argentina Córdoba</td><td colspan="1">Scott D. and Janice B. Hintze</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Chile Antofagasta</td><td colspan="1">Bryan R. and Jacqueline B. Larsen</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Chile Concepción</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-australia-poland-mexico-and-more?lang=eng">Ernest K. and Jane Richter</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Chile Concepción South</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">H. Marcelo and Claudia Jaquelina Cardús</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Chile Osorno</td><td colspan="1">Robert J. and Lynnette Meek</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Chile Rancagua</td><td colspan="1">Carlos and Jeanette Vergara</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Chile Santiago South</td><td colspan="1"><em>To be announced</em></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Chile Santiago West</td><td colspan="1">Jason J. and Cari Mitchell</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Paraguay Asunción North</td><td colspan="1">Richard L. and Julie Ann Millett</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Uruguay Montevideo</td><td colspan="1">Francisco A. and Marcela I. Escobar</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Uruguay Montevideo West</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-ecuador-singapore-korea-and-more?lang=eng">Keith M. and Lori B. Dunford</a></td></tr></tbody>
<tbody><tr><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 358.182px;"><strong>ASIA AREA</strong></th></tr><tr style="border: 1px solid rgb(235, 231, 221); color: rgb(176, 172, 161); text-transform: uppercase; background-color: rgb(244, 240, 231);"><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" rowspan="1" style="width: 358.182px;">MISSION NEW PRESIDENT and Companion</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">India Bengaluru</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-guatemala-india-uganda-and-more?lang=eng">Ted A. and Karen K. Thomas</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mongolia Ulaanbaatar</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-mongolia-nigeria-honduras-and-more?lang=eng">A. David and Chimka Hansen</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Singapore</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-ecuador-singapore-korea-and-more?lang=eng">Leonard and Rita Woo</a></td></tr></tbody>
<tbody><tr><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 358.182px;"><strong><strong>CENTRAL America Area</strong></strong></th></tr><tr style="border: 1px solid rgb(235, 231, 221); color: rgb(176, 172, 161); text-transform: uppercase; background-color: rgb(244, 240, 231);"><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" rowspan="1" style="width: 358.182px;">MISSION NEW PRESIDENT and Companion </th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">El Salvador San Salvador West/Belize</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">J. Francisco and I. Lucrecia Dubón</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Guatemala Antigua</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Timothy L. and Paula A. Barney</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Guatemala Cobán</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-guatemala-india-uganda-and-more?lang=eng">Benjamin and Hilda Poóu</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Guatemala Retalhuleu</td><td colspan="1">Frank B. and Linda Parker</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Honduras San Pedro Sula East</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-mongolia-nigeria-honduras-and-more?lang=eng">Eduardo R. and Ana Maria Mora</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Honduras San Pedro Sula West</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-australia-poland-mexico-and-more?lang=eng">Gustavo A. and Videlmina Cristales</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Nicaragua Managua North</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-guatemala-india-uganda-and-more?lang=eng">Rodrigo B. and Maritza Soto</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Panamá Panamá City</td><td colspan="1">Gary B. and Jana L. Garrett</td></tr></tbody>
<tbody><tr><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 358.182px;"><strong><strong><strong>EUROPE EAST AREA</strong></strong> </strong></th></tr><tr style="border: 1px solid rgb(235, 231, 221); color: rgb(176, 172, 161); text-transform: uppercase; background-color: rgb(244, 240, 231);"><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" rowspan="1" style="width: 358.182px;">MISSION NEW PRESIDENT and Companion</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Armenia/Georgia</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Paul and Elodie Picard</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Russia Moscow</td><td colspan="1"><em>To be announced</em></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Russia Rostov-na-Donu</td><td colspan="1"><em>To be announced</em></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Russia Yekaterinburg</td><td colspan="1"><em>To be announced</em></td></tr></tbody>
<tbody><tr><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 358.182px;"><strong>AFRICA West AREA</strong></th></tr><tr style="border: 1px solid rgb(235, 231, 221); color: rgb(176, 172, 161); text-transform: uppercase; background-color: rgb(244, 240, 231);"><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" rowspan="1" style="width: 358.182px;">MISSION NEW PRESIDENT and Companion</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Cote d’Ivoire Abidjan West</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Daniel W. and Betty Jo Lewis</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Ghana Accra West</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">D. Corey and Melissa C. Sanders</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Liberia Monrovia</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-guatemala-india-uganda-and-more?lang=eng">Gary S. and Julie C. Price</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Nigeria Benin City</td><td colspan="1">Declan O. and Stella Ihunna Madu</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Nigeria Enugu</td><td colspan="1">Albert and Mellon Mutariswa</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Nigeria Lagos</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-ecuador-singapore-korea-and-more?lang=eng">Emmanuel O. and Tina Elizabeth Udoh</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Nigeria Owerri</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-mongolia-nigeria-honduras-and-more?lang=eng">Ntiedo M. and Gladys E. Silas</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Leone Freetown</td><td colspan="1">Neil M and Laura Harper</td></tr></tbody>
<tbody><tr><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 358.182px;"><strong><strong>MÉXICO AREA</strong> </strong></th></tr><tr style="border: 1px solid rgb(235, 231, 221); color: rgb(176, 172, 161); text-transform: uppercase; background-color: rgb(244, 240, 231);"><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" rowspan="1" style="width: 358.182px;">MISSION NEW PRESIDENT and Companion</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">México Aguascalientes</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-australia-poland-mexico-and-more?lang=eng">Jeffrey N. and Janeen D. Redd</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">México Cancún</td><td colspan="1">Israel and Linda Marin</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">México Chihuahua</td><td colspan="1">W. Michael and Roxanne W. Ingalls</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">México Ciudad Juárez</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-ecuador-singapore-korea-and-more?lang=eng">Robert C. and Mary Ann Henke</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">México Culiacán</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-ecuador-singapore-korea-and-more?lang=eng">Victor and Angelina Esparza</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">México Hermosillo</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-australia-poland-mexico-and-more?lang=eng">Carlos and Silvia Zepeda</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">México Mérida</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-guatemala-india-uganda-and-more?lang=eng">Maurice D. and Patrice Jones</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">México México City Chalco</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-ecuador-singapore-korea-and-more?lang=eng">Michael C. and Debbie Rush</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">México México City East</td><td colspan="1">Adrian B. and Rita L. Parry</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">México México City North</td><td colspan="1">Gary J. and Juanita Severson</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">México México City Northwest</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-australia-poland-mexico-and-more?lang=eng">Christopher L. and Sheryn L. Thomas</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">México México City West</td><td colspan="1">W. David and Dodie Blake</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">México Monterrey East</td><td colspan="1">Javier and Leticia Romero</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">México Monterrey West</td><td colspan="1">Jose L. and Iris Isaguirre</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">México Pachuca</td><td colspan="1">Armando and Graciela Maldonado</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">México Querétaro</td><td colspan="1">Noé and Silvia Domínguez</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">México Saltillo</td><td colspan="1">Alan and Abish Meza</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">México Villahermosa</td><td colspan="1">Clark and Jennifer Whitworth</td></tr></tbody>
<tbody><tr><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 358.182px;"><strong>IdAHO AREA</strong></th></tr><tr style="border: 1px solid rgb(235, 231, 221); color: rgb(176, 172, 161); text-transform: uppercase; background-color: rgb(244, 240, 231);"><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" rowspan="1" style="width: 358.182px;">MISSION NEW PRESIDENT and Companion</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Idaho Boise</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Martin J. and Louise L. Nygaard</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Idaho Idaho Falls</td><td colspan="1">Matthew S. and Shannon R. Hurley</td></tr></tbody>
<tbody><tr><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 358.182px;"><strong><strong>BRAZIL AREA</strong></strong></th></tr><tr style="border: 1px solid rgb(235, 231, 221); color: rgb(176, 172, 161); text-transform: uppercase; background-color: rgb(244, 240, 231);"><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" rowspan="1" style="width: 358.182px;">MISSION NEW PRESIDENT and Companion </th></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Brazil Belém</td><td colspan="1"><em>To be announced</em></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Brazil Curitiba</td><td colspan="1">Saul S. and Soraia Duarte</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Brazil Curitiba South</td><td colspan="1">David N. and Teresa L. Oldham</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Brazil Fortaleza East</td><td colspan="1">J. Scott and Shiree Parker Nixon</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Brazil Goiânia</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-mongolia-nigeria-honduras-and-more?lang=eng">Daniel M. and Suzana C. G. Piros</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Brazil João Pessoa</td><td colspan="1"><em>To be announced</em></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Brazil Juiz de Fora</td><td colspan="1">Paulo C. and Nadia M. Loureiro</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Brazil Londrina</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-guatemala-india-uganda-and-more?lang=eng">Bradley K. and Sherrel McKinnon</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Brazil Natal</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-ecuador-singapore-korea-and-more?lang=eng">Emilton and Aparecida Miranda</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Brazil Piracicaba</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-guatemala-india-uganda-and-more?lang=eng">Bruno V. and Luciene M. A. Barros</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Brazil Ribeirão Preto</td><td colspan="1">Carlos E. and Rosa Santos</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Brazil Salvador South</td><td colspan="1">Júlio C. and Cláudia F. Triumpho</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Brazil Santa Maria</td><td colspan="1">Jorge M. and Maria R. Becerra</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Brazil Santos</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-mongolia-nigeria-honduras-and-more?lang=eng">Paul M. and Sue Harman</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Brazil São Paulo West</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-ecuador-singapore-korea-and-more?lang=eng">E. Brett and Amy Horsley</a></td></tr></tbody>
<tbody><tr><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 358.182px;"><strong>South America Northwest Area</strong></th></tr><tr style="border: 1px solid rgb(235, 231, 221); color: rgb(176, 172, 161); text-transform: uppercase; background-color: rgb(244, 240, 231);"><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" rowspan="1" style="width: 358.182px;">MISSION NEW PRESIDENT and Companion</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Bolivia La Paz</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Randol and Jenny E. Salazar</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Bolivia Santa Cruz</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-mongolia-nigeria-honduras-and-more?lang=eng">Scott M. and Marcia A. Stanford</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Bolivia Santa Cruz North</td><td colspan="1">Matthew K. and Shannon Hawkins</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Colombia Barranquilla</td><td colspan="1">M. Jeffrey and Nan J. Lemmon</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Ecuador Guayaquil South</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-ecuador-singapore-korea-and-more?lang=eng">Alan B. and Susan F. Tingey</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Ecuador Guayaquil West</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-australia-poland-mexico-and-more?lang=eng">Craig S. and Kris Olson</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Ecuador Quito North</td><td colspan="1">Jorge Antonio and Moraima J. Chacón</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Perú Arequipa</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Richard M. and Laurie N. Marsh</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Perú Cusco</td><td colspan="1">Fernando R. and Carol G. García</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Perú Huancayo</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Carlos and Lilian M. Cabrera</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Perú Iquitos</td><td colspan="1">Troy G. and Jill L. Parker</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Perú Lima North</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-guatemala-india-uganda-and-more?lang=eng">Meredith H. and Corinne S. Packard</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Perú Lima West</td><td colspan="1">Andres and Sandra Villegas</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Perú Limatambo</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-australia-poland-mexico-and-more?lang=eng">Daryl S. and Amy Glazier</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Perú Trujillo North</td><td colspan="1">Edgar and Rocio Hinostroza</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Venezuela Valencia</td><td colspan="1">John N. and Maria Palma</td></tr></tbody>
<tbody><tr><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 358.182px;"><strong>NORTH AMERICA NORTHEAST AREA</strong></th></tr><tr style="border: 1px solid rgb(235, 231, 221); color: rgb(176, 172, 161); text-transform: uppercase; background-color: rgb(244, 240, 231);"><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" rowspan="1" style="width: 358.182px;">MISSION NEW PRESIDENT and Companion</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Canada Toronto</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Clint W. and Cindy Ensign</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Indiana Indianapolis</td><td colspan="1">J. Drew and Linda Anderson Page</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Michigan Detroit</td><td colspan="1">Howard N. and Lisa Sorensen</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">New Hampshire Manchester</td><td colspan="1">Gary E. and Bobbi Jo Beck</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Ohio Cincinnati</td><td colspan="1">D. Eric and Lisa M. Ensign</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Virginia Richmond</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-mongolia-nigeria-honduras-and-more?lang=eng">D. Greg and Kimberly Droubay</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Washington DC North</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-ecuador-singapore-korea-and-more?lang=eng">Reid L. and Shelly A. Neilson</a></td></tr></tbody>
<tbody><tr><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 358.182px;"><strong><strong>UTAH AREAS</strong></strong></th></tr><tr style="border: 1px solid rgb(235, 231, 221); color: rgb(176, 172, 161); text-transform: uppercase; background-color: rgb(244, 240, 231);"><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" rowspan="1" style="width: 358.182px;">MISSION NEW PRESIDENT and Companion</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Utah Salt Lake City</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><em>To be announced</em></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Utah Salt Lake City South</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Alvin F. “Trip” and Jennifer E. Meredith</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Utah St. George</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">George and Manao Kaluhiokalani</td></tr></tbody>
The First Presidency has called 164 new mission presidents and companions who will begin service in July 2019. Their names and mission assignments are listed below.Additionally, four newly created missions were announced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on January 2, with 12 existing missions being realigned with neighboring missions. (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-announces-four-new-missions-2019-boundary-realignments?lang=eng">related story</a>.) These changes will take place July 1, at which time the Church will have a total of 399 missions worldwide.
<tbody><tr><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 358.182px;"><strong>PHILIPPINES AREA</strong></th></tr><tr style="border: 1px solid rgb(235, 231, 221); color: rgb(176, 172, 161); text-transform: uppercase; background-color: rgb(244, 240, 231);"><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" rowspan="1" style="width: 358.182px;">MISSION NEW PRESIDENT and Companion</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Philippines Antipolo</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mark R. and Beki B. Alder</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Philippines Baguio</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-mongolia-nigeria-honduras-and-more?lang=eng">Bradly and Christy Oldroyd</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Philippines Cagayan de Oro</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Rogelio D. and Leah Montemayor</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Philippines Cauayan</td><td colspan="1">JR. Kipp and Donna Craig</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Philippines Cavite</td><td colspan="1">Darwin S. and Michelle P. Cauilan</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Philippines Cebu East</td><td colspan="1">Keith B. and Beverly W. Monroe</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Philippines Iloilo</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-australia-poland-mexico-and-more?lang=eng">Giovanni P. and Nenette Pangan</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Philippines Legazpi</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-mongolia-nigeria-honduras-and-more?lang=eng">Emmanuel and Anabelle Abraham</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Philippines Naga</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-mongolia-nigeria-honduras-and-more?lang=eng">Brad W. and Shirley A. Kirk</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Philippines Quezon City</td><td colspan="1">Terry E. and Cyrrena Welch</td></tr></tbody>
<tbody><tr><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 358.182px;"><strong>NORTH AMERICA CENTRAL AREA</strong></th></tr><tr style="border: 1px solid rgb(235, 231, 221); color: rgb(176, 172, 161); text-transform: uppercase; background-color: rgb(244, 240, 231);"><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" rowspan="1" style="width: 358.182px;">MISSION NEW PRESIDENT and Companion</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Canada Edmonton</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Timothy N. and Kristen L. Cowley</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Colorado Denver South</td><td colspan="1">John H. and Janet L. Rees</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Colorado Fort Collins</td><td colspan="1">Scott R and Heather Ann Palmer</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Illinois Chicago</td><td colspan="1">Steven D. and Heidi O. Shumway</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Iowa Des Moines</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-guatemala-india-uganda-and-more?lang=eng">Dale A. and Valerie Sturm</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Kansas Wichita</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Verne M. and Shawny Ernst</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Missouri St. Louis</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-mongolia-nigeria-honduras-and-more?lang=eng">T. Trevor and Jamie L. Bell</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Wisconsin Milwaukee</td><td colspan="1">Sean B. and A. Joanne Murphy</td></tr></tbody>
<tbody><tr><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 358.182px;"><strong><strong>NORTH AMERICA SOUTHWEST AREA</strong></strong></th></tr><tr style="border: 1px solid rgb(235, 231, 221); color: rgb(176, 172, 161); text-transform: uppercase; background-color: rgb(244, 240, 231);"><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" rowspan="1" style="width: 358.182px;">MISSION NEW PRESIDENT and Companion </th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Arizona Gilbert</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-ecuador-singapore-korea-and-more?lang=eng">Gordon K. and Lynette A. Wright</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Arizona Mesa</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Chase B. and Kelly S. Andrews</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Arizona Scottsdale</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Brian L. and Gina R. Cox</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Arizona Tempe</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-australia-poland-mexico-and-more?lang=eng">Mark B. and Sherrie K. Goaslind</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Nevada Las Vegas West</td><td colspan="1">Curtis D. and Diane Reese</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">New Mexico Albuquerque</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-australia-poland-mexico-and-more?lang=eng">N. Edwin and Cheryl A. Weathersby</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Oklahoma Oklahoma City</td><td colspan="1">Craig H. and Shawna W. Christensen</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Texas Fort Worth</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-mongolia-nigeria-honduras-and-more?lang=eng">Jeffery G. and Kristi Ann Chapman</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Texas McAllen</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-guatemala-india-uganda-and-more?lang=eng">Jared R. and Jessica Ocampo</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Texas San Antonio</td><td colspan="1">Jason J. and Stephanie L. Tveten</td></tr></tbody>
<tbody><tr><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 358.182px;"><strong>Europe AREA</strong></th></tr><tr style="border: 1px solid rgb(235, 231, 221); color: rgb(176, 172, 161); text-transform: uppercase; background-color: rgb(244, 240, 231);"><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" rowspan="1" style="width: 358.182px;"> MISSION NEW PRESIDENT and Companion</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Czech/Slovak</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Jacob G. and Tina M. Gehring</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">England Leeds</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-ecuador-singapore-korea-and-more?lang=eng">M. Kirk and Sally Thomas Green</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Italy Milan</td><td colspan="1">Bart D. and Gail H. Browning</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Italy Rome</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-guatemala-india-uganda-and-more?lang=eng">Donald E. and Rebecca Smith</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Poland Warsaw</td><td colspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-australia-poland-mexico-and-more?lang=eng">David L. and Stacy A. Chandler</a></td></tr></tbody>
<tbody><tr><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 358.182px;"><strong><strong>PACIFIC AREA</strong></strong></th></tr><tr style="border: 1px solid rgb(235, 231, 221); color: rgb(176, 172, 161); text-transform: uppercase; background-color: rgb(244, 240, 231);"><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" rowspan="1" style="width: 358.182px;">MISSION NEW PRESIDENT and Companion</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Australia Brisbane</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-australia-poland-mexico-and-more?lang=eng">J. Kevin and Debbie Ence</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Australia Melbourne</td><td colspan="1">Michael J and Tamara Houghton</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Marshall Islands/Kiribati</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-ecuador-singapore-korea-and-more?lang=eng">Boyd S and Laurie Foster</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">New Zealand Hamilton</td><td colspan="1">Jeffrey D. and Tina Erekson</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Papua New Guinea Lae</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">'Isileli T. and Milika M. Fatani</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Tonga Nuku'alofa</td><td colspan="1">Hakeai V. and Seini Piutau</td></tr></tbody>
<tbody><tr><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 358.182px;"><strong>NORTH AMERICA SOUTHEAST AREA</strong></th></tr><tr style="border: 1px solid rgb(235, 231, 221); color: rgb(176, 172, 161); text-transform: uppercase; background-color: rgb(244, 240, 231);"><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" rowspan="1" style="width: 358.182px;">MISSION NEW PRESIDENT and Companion</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Alabama Birmingham</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-australia-poland-mexico-and-more?lang=eng">Chad W and Melanie Allred</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Florida Jacksonville</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/2019-mission-presidents-called-to-guatemala-india-uganda-and-more?lang=eng">James F. and Christine G. Wood</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Florida Orlando</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Darren and Leticia Ashcraft</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Florida Tampa</td><td colspan="1">David and Michelle Hollingsworth</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1">Tennessee Nashville</td><td colspan="1">Rhys A. and Pam Weaver</td></tr></tbody>
<tbody><tr><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 358.182px;"><strong>Asia North Area</strong></th></tr><tr style="border: 1px solid rgb(235, 231, 221); color: rgb(176, 172, 161); text-transform: uppercase; background-color: rgb(244, 240, 231);"><th colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" rowspan="1" style="width: 358.182px;">MISSION NEW PRESIDENT and Companion</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Korea Seoul South</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Nathan M. and Nicole N. Sargent</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Micronesia Guam</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Eric T. and Christina Hicks</td></tr></tbody>
</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-announces-new-mission-presidents-for-2019?lang=eng#1886324050Thu, 17 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Looking Back: Reminiscing on President Hinckley’s Book of Mormon Challenge, 13 Years Later
https://www.lds.org/church/news/looking-back-reminiscing-on-president-hinckleys-book-of-mormon-challenge-13-years-later?lang=eng
<p> President Gordon B. Hinckley, left, and Elder M. Russell Ballard speak to members of the media during a press conference at the birthplace of Joseph Smith near Sharon, Vermont, December 22, 2005. In a satellite broadcast on December 23 from the Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial Visitors’ Center, President Hinckley and Elder Ballard delivered addresses carried throughout the Church. Photo by Jason Olson, Deseret News.“We don’t worship him, but surely we honor him and we hold him in the highest esteem as the prophet of this dispensation of the fulness of times. As Brigham Young said, Joseph was prepared from the foundations of the world to lead this dispensation. It’s overwhelming when you see the full picture.”I completed my reading on the 200th anniversary of the birth of Joseph Smith, who was born at Sharon, Vermont, on December 23, 1805. President Gordon B. Hinckley and Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/m-russell-ballard?lang=eng">M. Russell Ballard</a>—now President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles—went to the Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial Visitors’ Center to deliver addresses in a satellite broadcast.I asked Elder Ballard about his thoughts of being where the Prophet Joseph Smith was born 200 years earlier. “You don’t realize the impact of Joseph’s life until you come out here and see this almost desolate area where his father and mother were trying to eke out an existence,” he said. “They already had four children. Their little baby girl passed away shortly after being born, so there were Alvin, Hyrum, and Sophronia, and now comes to them, in this setting, Joseph.I had read all of the Book of Mormon that year—except for the last 10 verses. I saved them to read at the Joseph Smith Memorial. A few minutes after Elder Ballard went inside the visitors’ center, I sat near the monument and read those verses and wrote a note in the book indicating when and where I had completed reading it. Later that afternoon, Elder Ballard signed his name beneath my note.He added, “You have to stand in reverence when you’re in the proximity of where Joseph was born. He was an instrument in the hands of the Lord; [Joseph’s] work has impacted more than 12 million people in the world today [as of 2005].”Thirteen years ago I read the book at home, during lunch breaks at work, and while traveling. I remember the unique experience of being in Hawaii on a Sunday afternoon and, wanting to take advantage of the tropical setting, going to a park overlooking the ocean and settling down to read. I met a Latter-day Saint family who was reading the Book of Mormon also. I saw people on the flights from Honolulu to Los Angeles and from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City reading the Book of Mormon.“I am sure they didn’t realize who had come into their home 200 years ago. But the Lord, in His great design, had the Smith family and the Mack family in His eye from the very foundations of the world, ultimately to this day where Joseph could be born here.”There are now more than 16 million members of the Church worldwide.When President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/russell-m-nelson?lang=eng">Russell M. Nelson</a> issued an invitation to read the Book of Mormon by the end of 2018, I thought of President Gordon B. Hinckley’s challenge to members to read the book by the end of 2005 and my experiences in accepting that challenge.Elder Ballard spoke of members reading the Book of Mormon during the closing months of 2005. “Just think, 130 million copies of the Book of Mormon have been printed. It has been translated in over 77 languages scattered in every corner of the world—all from this humble beginning here in Sharon, Vermont.”Elder Ballard reviewed with me the difficulties and the struggles Joseph Smith Sr. and his wife, Lucy Mack Smith, had with farming and failing, and “the Lord moving them through some trials, trauma, and difficulty, keeping that family so deeply humble. They arrived in Palmyra [New York] when Joseph, who was born here, was in his 14th year.”The next day, on the exact 200th anniversary, Elder Ballard and I went back to the monument. Except for the sounds of the Tabernacle Choir drifting on the frigid air—part of a recorded narration about the birth of Jesus Christ—it was quiet at the monument. No one else was outside during the few minutes that Elder Ballard and I walked and he talked about the significance of that date and about his great-great-uncle Joseph Smith and his great-great-grandfather Hyrum Smith.I was there. On December 22, 2005, President Hinckley and Elder Ballard walked around the mammoth granite shaft erected in 1905 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Joseph Smith’s birth.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/looking-back-reminiscing-on-president-hinckleys-book-of-mormon-challenge-13-years-later?lang=eng#2758995419Thu, 17 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Church Releases Rendering of San Juan Puerto Rico Temple
https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-releases-rendering-of-san-juan-puerto-rico-temple?lang=eng
<p>
<div class="article-body col-12 col-md-9">
<p>An artist rendering of the San Juan Puerto Rico Temple, the third temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Caribbean, was released Saturday, January 12.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/artist-rendering-released-for-san-juan-puerto-rico-temple">The announcement</a> was made on the Church’s Newsroom website.</p>
<p>The temple, announced just three months ago by President Russell M. Nelson in the October 2018 general conference, will be located at 123 Calle Ronda of Urbanización Villa Andalucía in San Juan’s Trujillo Alto area.</p>
<p>The rendering shows a single-story temple and a single, front-end spire, all in architecture common to the island.</p>
<p>Although a groundbreaking date has yet to be set, construction is expected to begin later this year and take about two years to complete.</p>
<p>The temple will be the first in Puerto Rico and the third in the Caribbean, following the existing and operational Santo Domingo Dominican Republic Temple and the under-construction Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple, which is to be dedicated later in 2019.</p>
</div>
</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-releases-rendering-of-san-juan-puerto-rico-temple?lang=eng#448434587Tue, 15 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
“Dotting the Earth”: Entering an Era of New International Temples
https://www.lds.org/church/news/dotting-the-earth-entering-an-era-of-new-international-temples?lang=eng
<p>And as the first-year leader of the Church in 2018, President Nelson announced seven new temples in the April 2018 general conference and another 12 in the October 2018 general conference. A total of 19 temples—four in the United States, including Utah, Virginia, and California; and 15 others to be located in Argentina, Brazil, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Guam, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Russia.At the conclusion of his inaugural April 2018 tour that took him to England, Israel, Kenya, Zimbabwe, India, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Hawaii, President Nelson offered a succinct summary: “Everything we’ve done in these last few days together circling the globe could be summed up in two words—‘the temple.’”
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/10/350-dotting-the-earth-entering-an-era-of-new-international-templ_15.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Image by Aaron Thorup.</p>
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As for the time between announcement to dedication, the average is 66 months—or 5.5 years—for the 18 temples announced since 2009 that have either been dedicated or are scheduled for dedication. The extremes are the Brigham City Utah Temple, dedicated just under three years after it was announced, to the dedication of the Concepción Temple in October 2017, a little more than nine years after it was announced.Before that, three years and four months passed between the Las Vegas Nevada Temple in mid-December 1989 and the San Diego California Temple in late April 1993, with only the Toronto Ontario Temple dedicated in that period.<b>Into the 21st century</b>And in the truest sense of the word, those four temples were not built and dedicated in the United States but in the Utah Territory, all beginning operation before statehood in 1896. The Hawaii Temple in 1919 was also dedicated in Laie four decades before Hawaii’s statehood.With the July 1985 dedication of the temple in Stockholm, Sweden, the Church had for the first time as many temples outside of the United States as it did within—17 and 17. Five of the next six temples were built in international locations—South Africa, South Korea, Peru, Argentina, and Germany.And so it could be another several years­—or more—before the next temple is dedicated in the United States, if one looks at the timing of temple announcements, groundbreakings, and dedications of the last 10 years.The first temples—no longer operating—were in Kirtland, Ohio, and Nauvoo, Illinois. With the move out West came what President Nelson has referred to as “pioneer temples” in Utah—temples in St. George, Logan, Manti, and Salt Lake City.The average time between the groundbreaking and dedication for the 29 temples that had both a groundbreaking and a dedication over the past decade (or a scheduled dedication in the next five months) is three years and three months. The shortest time was the one year and three months for The Gila Valley Arizona Temple, and the longest is the Rome Temple, with its March 10–12, 2019, dedication dates coming eight years and nearly five months after its October 2010 groundbreaking.There is no set template for time between a temple’s announcement, groundbreaking, and completion, given all the varying factors such as property selection, architectural designs, approvals from local governing councils, construction issues, and the like.Over the past five years, more U.S. temples came on line, especially during a 15-month stretch from August 2016 to December 2017 with temples in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Fort Collins, Colorado; Star Valley, Wyoming; Hartford, Connecticut; Tucson, Arizona; Meridian, Idaho; and Cedar City, Utah, coming on board, with the sole international temple being in Paris, France.While 40 future temples might seem like a lot, it’s well shy of the push in 1998 to dedicate 49 new temples before the end of the year 2000 so that the Church could meet President Gordon B. Hinckley’s goal of 100 operating temples by the end of the 20th century.It may be some time before the next new temple is dedicated in the United States, the last one being the Cedar City Utah Temple in December 2017. Six U.S. temples have been announced—for Saratoga Springs, Layton, and Washington County, Utah; Pocatello, Idaho; Richmond, Virginia; and Yuba City, California—but none has a site officially designated nor a groundbreaking date set.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/10/352-dotting-the-earth-entering-an-era-of-new-international-templ_2.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
<figcaption>
<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> A photo of the Kirtland Temple circa 1875. It was dedicated on March 27, 1836, after three years of construction. Photo courtesy of Community of Christ Library-Archives, Independence, MO. Stereograph by W. A. Faze.</p>
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The numbers: 201 total temples scattered across six continents and 58 nations and U.S. territories. Workers put up a sign during construction of the Bern Switzerland Temple in the early 1950s. The Swiss Temple was the first in Europe and reaches a 60-year milestone this month. Photo courtesy of Deseret News archives.President Joseph F. Smith first used the phrase of temples “dotting the land”—referencing Europe during several conferences with members there in the early 1900s. Prophets and apostles since have echoed the “dotting” phrase, expanding it to not just North and South America and Europe but to the entire world.The longest time between dedications of U.S. temples in the past 50 years was the six years between the November 1974 dedication of the Washington DC Temple and the November 1980 dedication of the Seattle Washington Temple, the Church’s 16th and 19th operating temples. The dedications of the São Paulo Brazil and Tokyo Japan Temples occurred during the six years.That includes President Russell M. Nelson, who as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles nearly two decades ago underscored the doctrine—and dotting—of temples.The Saratoga Springs and Pocatello Temples were the first of the six to be announced, nearly two years ago in the April 2017 general conference. The other four were announced by President Nelson at the two 2018 general conferences. St. George Utah Temple.At the time of the April 1998 general conference, the Church had 51 operating temples—27 in the United States—with another 17 temples either announced or under construction for a total of 68 temples.The result is temples dotting the earth, the start of fulfilling the words of latter-day prophets who spoke of hundreds and even thousands of temples over multiple continents. Hamilton New Zealand Temple.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/10/350-dotting-the-earth-entering-an-era-of-new-international-templ_17.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Image by Aaron Thorup.</p>
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And of those 40 temples under construction or planned, 15 will be the first in their respective nation or U.S. territory, including the expansive Russia, the populous India, and the remote islands of Cape Verde and Guam. Members wait outside the Freiberg Germany Temple prior to the September 4, 2016, rededication of the historic edifice. Photo by Jason Swensen, Church News.And of the 30 announced temples still awaiting formal site designations and groundbreaking dates, 24 are located outside of the United States. In all, that’s 34 of the 40 future temples—85 percent—that will be beyond the U.S.“Building and maintaining temples may not change your life, but spending your time in the temple surely will,” said President Nelson in the October 2018 general conference, echoing a similar sentiment shared six months previously.<b>Going more global</b>Those two are the start of an extensive and historic string of international temples to be dedicated over the next several years, given that the 10 temples in various stages of construction and next in line to be dedicated are all outside the United States.Two of the 30 “announced” temples have groundbreaking dates set for this month—the Urdaneta Philippines and the Bangkok Thailand Temples, again both international sites.By then, even more temples—both in the United States and across the globe—will likely have been announced.With the Church’s bicentennial anniversary a little more than 11 years away and 40 future temples already on the books, reaching the 200-temple benchmark shouldn’t be a problem.Organized in the state of New York in 1830 with its headquarters moving across the Midwest and reaching Salt Lake City in 1847, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been based in what is now present-day United States. International missionary efforts started in the Church’s first decade—within three years to Canada and seven years to Great Britain. The Bern Switzerland Temple, the first temple in Europe, was dedicated in 1955 and remodeled in 1992.<b>Timing over past decade</b>Rather, the current increase is more international in nature—with 85 percent of the future temples to operate beyond U.S. borders.<b>A historical look back</b>The Church has averaged a little more than three temple dedications a year—59 total in the last 18 years—and usually a slight edge of international temples to those in the United States. When the Tegucigalpa Honduras Temple was dedicated as the Church’s 141st operating temple in March 2013, there were five more internationally than in the United States.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/10/350-1341589-dotting-the-earth-entering-an-era-of-new-international-templ_13.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> The Tokyo Japan Temple.</p>
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The seven other temples underway include a pair in Brazil and one each in Portugal, South Africa, Peru, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Canadian province of Manitoba.The 1980s saw the Church’s first concentrated effort of extensive international temple building, with 17 of that decade’s 26 temples located outside of the United States—five in Latin America, Asia’s first four temples, four in the Oceania area (Australia and the South Pacific), three more in Europe, and the first on the African continent. Kirtland Temple in April 2000. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News.And the temples started coming—and not 30 or 32 but actually 34 between that conference and the end of 2000. Dedicated on October 1, the Boston Massachusetts Temple became the Church’s 100th, with two more—in Brazil’s Recife and Porto Alegre—dedicated in 2000’s final month, making it 102 total operating temples and a 51-51 split between U.S. and international locations.<b>Temples dotting the land</b>
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/10/350-dotting-the-earth-entering-an-era-of-new-international-templ_5.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Capstone laying of Cardston Temple, Alberta, Canada. The capstone was placed September 23, 1917. Photo courtesy of Church History Museum archives.</p>
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Recently, two years passed between the dedication of The Gila Valley Arizona Temple on May 23, 2010, and the Kansas City Missouri Temple on May 6, 2012, during which four international temples were added in Cebu City, Philippines; Kyiv, Ukraine; San Salvador, El Salvador; and Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.Of the Church’s 161 currently operating temples, 81 temples are located within the United States and 80 are located in other countries. But the last two temples dedicated in late 2018 were in South America—the Concepción Chile and Barranquilla Colombia Temples.During that conference, President Hinckley announced plans for 30 additional temples—many of them a smaller size than previous temples. No locations were announced at the conference—just the number “30,” until the late Church President upped the number.The average time between announcement and groundbreaking for the 21 temples announced since 2009 where groundbreaking has taken place or is scheduled is three years. The extremes are the seven months between the announcement and groundbreaking for the Provo City Center Temple to the eight years and nearly four months for the Urdaneta Temple, announced in October 2010 with a January 16, 2019, groundbreaking.
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Image by Aaron Thorup.</p>
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Which brings us to 2018, a current total of 161 operating temples in the Church’s history of nearly 189 years, and the Concepción and Barranquilla Temples starting this international surge in temple building. (Second from the left) President William F. Perschon of the Swiss-Austrian Mission; Elder Samuel E. Bringhurst, president of the new temple; President David O. McKay; and Elder Richard L. Evans of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles leave the Bern Switzerland Temple following a dedicatory session on September 11, 1955. The Swiss Temple was the first in Europe and reaches a 60-year milestone this month. Photo courtesy of the Deseret News archives. Architects Hyrum C. Pope and Harold W. Burton designed the Cardston Alberta Temple. Photo courtesy of Deseret News archives.Before that, the longest stretch of consecutive international dedications were the five from June 1983 through May 1984—in Apia, Samoa; Nuku’alofa, Tonga; Santiago, Chile; Papeete, Tahiti; and Mexico City, Mexico.<b>Looking ahead</b>“In this program we are moving on a scale the like of which we have never seen before. … I can only add that when these 30 or 32 are built, there will be more yet to come.”
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/10/350-dotting-the-earth-entering-an-era-of-new-international-templ_7.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> President David O. McKay at the site dedication and groundbreaking for the Bern Switzerland Temple in 1953. Photo courtesy of Deseret News archives.</p>
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<b>Ending the 20th century</b>The table is set for an international focus of new temples, which started with last year’s dedications in Concepción and Barranquilla. The 10 temples designated as “under construction” are all outside of the United States, with three—the Rome Italy, Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Port-au-Prince Haiti Temples—already with dedication dates for the first half of this year.Only eight temples total were built in the first seven years of the 1990s before President Hinckley made his memorable end-of-the-century push with temples.“As part of the planned destiny of the earth and its inhabitants, here our kindred dead are also to be redeemed,” he said in the April 2000 general conference. “Families are to be sealed together for all eternity. A welding link is to be forged between the fathers and the children. In our time, a whole, complete, and perfect union of all dispensations, keys, and powers is to be welded together. For these sacred purposes, holy temples now dot the earth.”And as he uses his ministry and devotional travels throughout the world to visit temple sites under construction or consideration as well as encourage temple preparation and participation, he underscores the need for these sacred edifices.<b>Between U.S. temple dedications</b> The Laie Hawaii Temple. Photo by Kenneth Mays.Still, the time gap between the December 2017 dedication of the Cedar City Temple and that of the next new U.S. temple to be finished and dedicated may end up being one of the longest in more than a half-century.Up to now, the longest string of international temple dedications came during the big push of 2000, when eight temples outside the United States were dedicated in succession in less than two months. From May 21 through July 16, temples were dedicated in Adelaide and Melbourne, Australia; Mérida and Veracruz, Mexico; Montreal, Canada; San Jose, Costa Rica; Fukuoka, Japan; and Suva, Fiji.Dedicated in 1923, the Alberta Temple (later renamed the Cardston Alberta Temple) was the first outside of the United States and its territories, with the Swiss Temple (Bern Switzerland) the first in Europe in 1955 (with a temple in London, England, three years later). The first temple in the Southern Hemisphere came with the New Zealand Temple (now Hamilton New Zealand) in 1958, while the São Paulo Brazil Temple was the first in South America in 1978.“I think we had better add two more to make it an even 100 by the end of the century, being 2,000 years ‘since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh,’” he said, quoting Doctrine and Covenants 20:1.Simply put, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has embarked on an unprecedented era of more international temples.<b>Consecutive international temples</b></p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/dotting-the-earth-entering-an-era-of-new-international-temples?lang=eng#2700156441Tue, 15 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Photos Give a First Look Inside the Rome Italy Temple
https://www.lds.org/church/news/photos-give-a-first-look-inside-the-rome-italy-temple?lang=eng
<p> Replicas of Thorvaldsen’s <em>Christus</em> statue and his 12 ancient Apostle statues—from originals found in Copenhagen, Denmark—are featured in the Rome Italy Temple Visitors’ Center.Some of the farm’s olive trees were preserved and join other olive trees from northern Italy in being replanted in the grounds’ Italian-style piazza, or square.Special-guest tours are scheduled to run from Tuesday, January 15, through Tuesday, January 22, with invitations to leaders of government, business, legal, interfaith, and humanitarian organizations. One of the olive trees found on the piazza of the Rome Italy Temple grounds. Interior details of the Rome Italy Temple. The Rome Italy Temple Visitors’ Center. Instruction room in the Rome Italy Temple.<b>Piazza, trees, and statues</b>“It is beautiful,” said Elder <span class="sense-link">David A. Bednar</span> of the <span class="sense-link">Quorum of the Twelve Apostles</span>, who serves as chairman of the Temple and Family History Department, as quoted by Newsroom. “The craftmanship is expert and perfect.” The interior of the Rome Italy Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.A morning news conference and subsequent media tours were the first public events scheduled to be held at the temple on Monday, January 14. Window detail in the Rome Italy Temple. The Rome Italy Temple on Friday, November 16, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.The public phase of the Rome Italy Temple has begun, with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints opening its new sacred edifice in the Eternal City for the next four-plus weeks for a series of open house tours.Initially, only a small portion of the property was available for temple construction; however, subsequent rezoning allowed the Church to expand to use all 15 acres for its grounds and accompanying facilities.“There’s tremendous symbolism in olives and in olive trees,” said Elder Bednar in the Newsroom report, noting the depth reached by the tree roots. “Whenever you cut the roots of an olive tree, they’ll sprout. They don’t die; they will continue to sprout. Some have suggested that perhaps that’s symbolic of the hope of the Resurrection.” A sealing room in the Rome Italy Temple.The three-story, 40,000-square-foot temple features architecture inspired by ancient Rome and an exterior of Bianco Sardo granite.The general-public open house begins Monday, January 28, and runs through Saturday, February 16, excluding Sundays. Free tickets for the open house can be requested at <a href="https://templeopenhouse.lds.org/" class="sense-link">templeopenhouse.lds.org</a>.<b>Design and exterior</b>In conjunction with the start of the open house, the Church posted photos of the temple’s exterior and interior early Monday, January 14, on its <a href="https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/public-tours-begin-rome-italy-temple" target="_blank" class="sense-link">Newsroom website</a>.Also on the temple grounds are a multifunctional meetinghouse, a visitors’ center, and temple patron housing. Linking the various buildings is the piazza constructed from native-to-Italy travertine tiles, pavers, and blocks.“When I saw the statues of the Savior, the <i>Christus</i>, and the Twelve Apostles, it was just a spiritually stunning moment for me,” said Elder Bednar. A model display of the interior of the Rome Temple is visible in the visitors’ center in Rome, Italy, on Friday, November 16, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.The visitors’ center includes replicas of Thorvaldsen’s <i>Christus</i> and 12 ancient Apostle statues found in the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark. (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/a-closer-look-at-symbolism-of-christus-and-ancient-apostles-statues-in-rome?lang=eng">related story</a>.)Visitors to the Rome Italy Temple are greeted at the entrance by a floor-to-ceiling stained-glass wall featuring a scene of the life of Jesus Christ, with additional art-glass throughout inspired by the olive tree and its leaves. The Rome Italy Temple on Friday, November 16, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.The statues are in a rotunda facing the temple, backed by an overhead mural of an Italian landscape. Full-length windows offer a dramatic view of the statues in the rotunda setting and a similar view of the temple from inside the visitors’ center.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/15/cropped%20temple/PHOTOS-GIVE-A-FIRST-LOOK-INSIDE-THE-ROME-ITALY-TEMPLE_722.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 525px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> The statues of Peter, James, and John—three of Thorvaldsen’s ancient Apostles statues—are in the Rome Italy Temple Visitors’ Center.</p>
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The staircase’s oval design suggests the Michelangelo-designed Piazza del Campidoglio and its ramped staircase near Rome’s Capitoline Hill.Other interior features include the instruction room mural featuring Italian landscape scenes from the sea to the hills, the Baroque-style bridal room with its crystalline sconces and hand-painted chairs, the crystal chandelier and artisan-crafted furnishings of the celestial room, sculpted off-white carpets in the celestial and sealing rooms, an elliptical font with inlaid stones and Roman-style acanthus leaves in the baptistry, and original paintings throughout the temple.<b>Location and grounds</b>Valentiner said the temple’s design was inspired by San Carlino, a Roman Catholic church in Rome, with “the curved ceilings, the curved walls, the expression of the colonnades and columns. And that started this very early concept of a curved church, a curved temple and temple building both on the exterior as well as on the interior.”The 15-acre parcel previously was a farm that the Church purchased in 1997, with the property including a villa, a small olive orchard, and an outside pizza oven. For a period, full-time missionaries resided at the villa, and the property occasionally served as a gathering place for members and their activities. The Rome Italy Temple on Friday, November 16, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News. The angel Moroni statue is lowered by a crane into place atop the tallest, eastern spire of the Rome Italy Temple on Saturday, March 25, 2017. Photo by Scott Taylor, Deseret News. A view of the Rome Italy Temple and the Italian-style piazza on the temple grounds.Rome is considered by Latter-day Saints and other Christian faiths as a historic location, a biblical city where ancient Apostles such as Peter and Paul preached.Soon to become the Church’s 12th temple in Europe and 162nd worldwide, the Rome Italy Temple will serve the nearly 27,000 Latter-day Saints in Italy as well as those in neighboring countries. The Bern Switzerland Temple is currently the closest operating temple to Italy, which is home to two missions and more than 100 member congregations.Said architect Neils Valentiner: “This had to be one that when you walked onto this site, every person should feel like they were on an Italian site. They would recognize it because of the materials, because of the design, and because of the surrounding.”The temple will be dedicated over several sessions held March 10–12; it will open for temple sessions and ordinance work the following week on March 19. Baptistry of the Rome Italy Temple. A display model shows the Rome Italy Temple, grounds, and affiliated buildings. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News. The baptismal font and baptistry of the Rome Italy Temple.<b>Italy’s Church, temple history</b>The grand staircase in the temple’s lobby is considered an engineering feat, said project supervisor Bret Woods. “It’s connected just at the top and the bottom, so it’s essentially a free-floating staircase—and of course, an elliptical shape,” he said. Bride’s room in the Rome Italy Temple. Fountain and doors at the Rome Italy Temple.The temple’s predominant colors inside are earth tones and blues, bronzes, and gold throughout. Materials include Perlato Svevo stone flooring quarried in northern Tuscany; Cenia marble from Spain; Sapele, burl, and cherry wood millwork; and Murano glass fixtures from Venice.President Thomas S. Monson announced the temple during the October 2008 general conference and then presided over its groundbreaking on Octoer 23, 2010. On March 25, 2017, the gold-plated angel Moroni statue was placed atop the taller, eastern tower of the twin-spired building.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/15/cropped%20temple/PHOTOS-GIVE-A-FIRST-LOOK-INSIDE-THE-ROME-ITALY-TEMPLE_1415.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 498px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> The sun sets behind the Rome Italy Temple nearing completion on April 15, 2018. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.</p>
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<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/15/cropped%20temple/PHOTOS-GIVE-A-FIRST-LOOK-INSIDE-THE-ROME-ITALY-TEMPLE_425.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 525px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> The grand staircase of the lobby of the Rome Italy Temple.</p>
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Lighting in the Rome Italy Temple. The Rome Italy Temple at night on Friday, November 16, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.Located at Via de Settebagni 376 in northeast Rome near the village of La Cinquina Bufalotta, the temple sits on an elevated 15-acre parcel just off the A90 Grande Raccordo Anulare beltway—also known as “Il Raccordo” (“The Junction”)—that surrounds the city.<b>Interior</b>In latter days, the restored gospel returned to Italy when a handful of missionaries—including Elder Lorenzo Snow, later the fifth President of the Church—arrived in 1850 and found success in northern Italy. Most early converts over the next half-decade eventually emigrated to the United States and the Salt Lake Valley. Meanwhile, challenges and persecutions resulted in a halting of Church activity in Italy until the 1960s, when missionary work returned and a first-of-the-era congregation was organized. Chandelier and grand staircase in the lobby of the Rome Italy Temple. Stained glass in the Rome Italy Temple depicts scenes from the Savior’s life.<b>This week’s schedule</b></p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/photos-give-a-first-look-inside-the-rome-italy-temple?lang=eng#3507719121Tue, 15 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Strong Faith Guides BYU Volleyball Coach on Journey to National Coach of the Year
https://www.lds.org/church/news/strong-faith-guides-byu-volleyball-coach-on-journey-to-national-coach-of-the-year?lang=eng
<p>Life can get a bit frantic for a college volleyball coach during the playing season.“And the players did everything in their lives to allow them to play at a high level, including in their spiritual lives and academics.” BYU head coach Heather Olmstead talks to her team before the match. The no. 4 BYU women’s volleyball team defeated no. 5 Texas 3-0 in the regional final of the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championships. Photo by Jaren Wilkey, BYU.But when asked about her successes, Olmstead naturally shifts from “I” to “we.”Olmstead was also honored for her leadership, being named the 2018 American Volleyball Coaches Association national coach of the year. Over the course of her four-year head coaching career, she has won 90 percent of her games.“We are so happy for the experiences we have had together and the trials that we went through and overcame.” BYU head volleyball coach Heather Olmstead talks with her players during a timeout at the Hunstman Center in Salt Lake City on September 14, 2017. Photo by Adam Fondren, Deseret News.“It’s a unique opportunity to work at a school owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” she said. “The Honor Code provides us an opportunity to talk about what makes BYU great. We are able to focus on priorities in areas that become strengths.”Coaching at BYU is perhaps different than coaching at any other university. First, the school expects to compete at a high level. That requires talent. But Cougar student-athletes are also required to live the Honor Code at the Church-owned school.“I didn’t need any time to realize and understand what a magical season we were experiencing,” she told the <em>Church News</em> following the Cougars’ 2018 campaign that culminated with a trip to the NCAA Final Four. “We knew we had a special group and we had a strong belief in each other.”
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/10/350-latter-day-saint-earns-national-coach-of-the-year-honors-at-_5.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> BYU head coach Heather Olmstead cheers on her team during an NCAA volleyball playoff game against UNLV in Provo on Saturday, December 3, 2016. BYU swept UNLV 3-0 to advance into the Sweet 16. Photo by Nick Wagner, Deseret News.</p>
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“We find joy in each other’s success,” she said.A team can’t reach the Final Four of the NCAA Division 1 tournament without plenty of talent. And yes, the Cougars had plenty of star power—including outside hitter Roni Jones-Perry, freshman of the year Heather Gneighting, and elite setter Lyndie Haddock-Eppich.But Olmstead said the squad also possessed plenty of intangibles that can make the difference in a tough five-set match against an equally talented team. She points to senior leadership and team determination.The recruiting pool is definitely smaller than at other schools, she added. “But we are looking for the best Latter-day Saint kids in the country, and we want to supplement them with the best nonmembers that want to be here.”“I’ve always had a strong faith in what I’m doing and where I want to go.”As a lifelong Latter-day Saint, Olmstead feels BYU is the perfect place to ply her trade. Her testimony and faith have guided her as a student-athlete and as a coach.Volleyball has defined much of the coach’s life. The Olmsteads are a volleyball family. All seven of the siblings played in high school. Four played in college. Meanwhile, their father, Rick Olmstead, played at the Church-owned college in Hawaii and went on to coach in high school. One of his star players at Santa Barbara High School was American volleyball legend Karch Kiraly.Time not spent training or traveling with the team is likely filled in film study, recruiting, and preparing for that next match. It can be tough to look beyond the next pressing item on the day’s to-do list.But even amid the hustle and bustle of an unforgettable 2018 season, Brigham Young University women’s volleyball coach Heather Olmstead was clearly aware she was part of something special.The school’s motto, “Enter to learn. Go forth to serve,” is a guiding principle she tries to instill in her athletes on the volleyball court and outside the lines.And for the right athletes, the school sells itself.After playing at Utah State University, Heather Olmstead followed her brother Shawn into the collegiate coaching ranks. She was her brother’s assistant coach when the 2014 BYU women’s team made it to the national championship—and earned Shawn his own national coach-of-the-year award.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/10/350-latter-day-saint-earns-national-coach-of-the-year-honors-at-_3.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> BYU head coach Heather Olmstead directs BYU’s practice. The BYU women’s volleyball team held a press conference and an open practice on December 7, 2017, in Lexington, Kentucky’s Memorial Coliseum. Photo by Jaren Wilkey, BYU.</p>
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The 31-win season was defined by a bevy of highlights—including an undefeated run of home games at BYU’s Smith Fieldhouse, a West Coast Conference Championship, and a stretch of season where they were ranked as the top team in the country.But Olmstead insists there’s no sibling rivalry.“We are able to get in the doors of nonmembers who want to be high performers in volleyball, academics, and life,” she said.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/strong-faith-guides-byu-volleyball-coach-on-journey-to-national-coach-of-the-year?lang=eng#250557574Tue, 15 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Elder Uchtdorf Encourages Young Adults to Listen to the “Sublime Music” of the Spirit
https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-uchtdorf-encourages-young-adults-to-listen-to-the-sublime-music-of-the-spirit?lang=eng
<p>Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/dieter-f-uchtdorf?lang=eng">Dieter F. Uchtdorf</a> of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles posed a simple yet defining question to thousands gathered Tuesday at Brigham Young University’s Marriott Center:<br/>
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<em>Can you hear the sublime music of the Spirit?</em><br/>
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Jesus Christ issues a “gentle call” for all to follow Him. Meanwhile, Heavenly Father has “a profound and beautiful message” to impart to His children.The Apostle concluded his devotional message with a blessing of hope, belief, love, and the desire to walk in Christ’s “redeeming and glorifying light.”“Want to watch a video of baby ducks crossing a busy street? You can see that. Want a backscratcher in the shape of a moose antler? You can have it on your doorstep within a day or two. Want a wall-mounted, motion-activated, lifelike plastic fish that sings ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy’? You can find it, and if you act now, you may even get free shipping.”“Answering these questions is the quest of a lifetime,” he said. “And while the process is similar for all, we each must travel our own individual path to find the answers.Fortunately, God has given His children “quite a bit of information and counsel” to help them find Him. God has taught much about how to recognize His voice.One might even think he or she is a “special case” that makes “too many mistakes, too often.”But being mortal is synonymous with mistakes. Mortals fall short again and again. But mistakes, assured Elder Uchtdorf, are merely events “on the timeline of your life.” They don’t define one’s life.“Being a disciple or follower of Christ does not mean we live perfectly. It means we stay on the path. We rise when we stumble. We hold onto the light we are given, even when we feel darkness gathering around us.”“But,” the Apostle again inquired, “do we hear [Their] voices?”<br/>
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The Apostle began his message during the school’s January 15 devotional with the factual account of a casually dressed man who once walked into a Washington, D.C., subway station, pulled a violin from its case, and began to play soulful, soft music.Elder Uchtdorf challenged his audience to “look inside our hearts” and hear the music of the Spirit. Nearly 1,100 people passed by Joshua Bell during his 45-minute performance. Yet only seven stopped to take in his performance for at least a minute.<strong>How can you hear?</strong> Audience members filling the Marriott Center on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, listen to Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostle. Photo courtesy of BYU Photo.“I testify that our loving Father in Heaven is reaching out to you. Speaking to you,” he said. “In every hour of the day and throughout the night, He communicates through the divine music of the Spirit.”“Just hearing Elder Uchtdorf is always uplifting,” she said. “He really knows how to speak to our generation.”“So don’t ever stop seeking. Jesus promised that if we seek, we shall find. If we knock, it will be opened. If we listen, we will hear.”“Far more than the sublime music in that Washington subway station, God’s glorious light, love, and power is all around you, always. You need only to seek it.”But something entirely different occurred.“We are told, ‘Put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good’ (<a href="/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/11.12?lang=eng#11" target="_blank">Doctrine and Covenants 11:12</a>).Be assured, God reaches out to His children when they are struggling and failing.“In short, these people were people like you and me,” said Elder Uchtdorf. “Unwrapping the gift of a new day, even the gift of a brand-new year, but consumed with the trivial and tragic, the petty and profound.”<br/>
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But in their rush to get to where they were going, most of the commuters failed to notice that the solitary man was Joshua Bell, one of the world’s most accomplished musicians. He played a centuries-old violin handcrafted by Antonio Stradivari that was worth millions of dollars. And the music he played was some of the most challenging and beautiful ever composed.<br/>
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Joshua Bell’s anonymous performance was part of a social experiment to determine if busy people would recognize or ignore sublime music “played by a brilliant artist on an unparalleled instrument.”<br/>
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Some of the experiment organizers worried the impromptu performance would cause “a traffic control nightmare” at the station, with hundreds crowding around to listen to the famed violinist.The lesson of the Joshua Bell subway performance is profoundly instructive, he said.Seeking God’s light is not a “once and done” process, he added. It is the process of a lifetime. It is a mission without end.“For some, hearing God’s voice seems intuitive and obvious. Some seem to be born with a testimony of the gospel and a sensitivity to spiritual things. For others, belief comes slowly, and the process may feel difficult or frustrating. They spend years or even decades striving to feel the Spirit. They want to have a testimony, but they can’t honestly say that they do.”The hope and desire to believe can start “the seed of faith” growing in one’s heart.“Your mistakes have not disqualified you from heaven’s reach,” he said. “If God answered the prayers only of the perfectly obedient, He would have to shut down heaven’s entire prayer-answering department.”Elder Uchtdorf directed a final thought to any who might be feeling unworthy or ashamed:“You can allow godly sorrow, for your sins lead you to <em>change</em> for the better—help you become the men and women God designed you to become.”Elder Uchtdorf said he had believed in the restored gospel since he was a young boy. That belief has been a blessing throughout his life.“Now, I acknowledge that my experience may not be like yours. But whether the gift of faith comes early or late, all of us must seek and nurture that gift. We all live in a world full of distractions, away from the spiritual and the eternal. This is part of the test of mortality. We are here to learn how to find God, to recognize and follow His voice, even amid the clamor and noise of the world.”Elder Uchtdorf challenged his audience to “look inside our hearts” and hear the music of the Spirit.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/15/350-uchtdorf-1901-15%200146.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks during a devotional at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, January 15, 2019. Photo courtesy of BYU Photo.</p>
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PROVO, UTAH Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles smiles at his wife, Sister Harriet Uchtdorf, prior to speaking at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, January 15, 2019. Photo courtesy of BYU Photo.But Elder Uchtdorf taught there is some “fine print” to be aware of.”We learn that ‘the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith’ (<a href="/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/42.14?lang=eng#13" target="_blank">Doctrine and Covenants 42:14</a>). And we are promised, ‘He that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day’ (<a href="/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/50.24?lang=eng#23" target="_blank">Doctrine and Covenants 50:24</a>).”But the desires and answers of “true and lasting value” require patience and diligence. But be assured, the process of communication between mortals and heaven is not broken.“One commuter, who had passed within four feet of Joshua Bell, later could not recall that he had even seen a musician on his way to work,” said Elder Uchtdorf. “As it turns out, this man had been wearing ear buds, listening to a favorite rock song on his personal playlist. Ironically, the lyrics of the song were about failing to see the beauty right before your eyes.”“We sometimes get so caught up in the grind of everyday life that we fail to recognize the sublime voice of the Spirit and disregard the profound and beautiful message our loving Heavenly Father imparts to us through His messengers.”“In the Doctrine and Covenants, we are taught that we must ‘study it out in [our] mind’ and then ‘ask … if it be right’ (<a href="/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/9.8?lang=eng#7" target="_blank">Doctrine and Covenants 9:8</a>).The legions of students who squeezed into the Marriott Center—and the many more who watched a live broadcast of the Tuesday devotional—likely had long lists of tasks that demanded attention.But many, such as Spanish major Bethanie Davies of Maine, said an hour with an Apostle was not to be missed.<strong>The music of the Spirit</strong>Bethanie added the devotional motivated her to always remain sensitive to the music of the Spirit.That change, called repentance, is not about shaming. “It is about becoming.”So how does one recognize God’s voice—and distinguish it from other thoughts and feelings?Mike Leishman, a BYU sophomore from Canada, said Elder Uchtdorf’s message taught him to pray with increased focus and intent. “I was looking for answers to some questions I have had, and I definitely found them today.”<strong>The problem of now</strong>“If we attune our hearts, eyes, and ears to recognizing the Spirit—if we strive to walk in the way of light—we will surely find what we seek,” he said. “We will surely learn how to hear the music.”“To all who feel defective in some way, may I tell you a secret? We are all defective. You. Me. Everyone.”“They don’t define you as a person or as a child of God. However, what you do about your mistakes by using the gifts given to us by Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, will go a long way in defining the person you will yet become.In an age of instant answers, it is not easy to be patient. Today’s technology often provides instantaneous responses to questions and desires.<strong>The fine print</strong>A good place to start is in the Doctrine and Covenants, where many revelations were given to Joseph Smith and others on this very topic.Struggling, fighting, and even failing occasionally in the pursuit of the divine, he added, is part of the process that refines character and perfects spirits. Heaven’s favor comes from following the Savior and His teachings.First, this “light” comes in God’s time, “not ours.” Second, it will come in God’s way—including, perhaps, ways unexpected or even unwanted. And third, it comes “as we believe.”“Eventually, that seed will grow until you can begin to believe,” he said. “Those first glimpses of belief lead to faith. And your faith will grow stronger day by day until it shines bright within you. And then you will truly be able to ‘ask in faith, nothing wavering’ (<a href="/scriptures/nt/james/1.6?lang=eng#5" target="_blank">James 1:6</a>).True disciples of Christ carry on. They believe. They seek light. They trust God. They keep trying even when they stumble. They are refined as they walk the path of following Jesus. They love as He loved. They strive to do as He taught.Thousands of commuters passed the musician on their way to work. They were busy, and the minds of most were likely occupied with everyday cares. Others, undoubtedly, were wrestling with greater problems—perhaps a challenging health diagnosis, financial loss, or some other pressing anxiety.“This is the kind of faith that has the power to unlock the mysteries of heaven and fill your heart with the wondrous knowledge and sublime testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-uchtdorf-encourages-young-adults-to-listen-to-the-sublime-music-of-the-spirit?lang=eng#906556248Tue, 15 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Review the 15 Major Church Announcements Since President Nelson Became Prophet
https://www.lds.org/church/news/review-the-15-major-church-announcements-since-president-nelson-became-prophet?lang=eng
<p> Cast members perform at the finale of the Mesa Easter Pageant. Photo by Scott P. Adair. The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square performs. The choir’s name was changed on October 5, 2018.<strong>9.</strong> <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/changes-help-balance-gospel-instruction-at-home-and-at-church?lang=eng"><strong>“Home-centered and Church-supported” program begins.</strong></a>In September 2018, the Church announced that missionaries will now receive their calls online. Previously, future missionaries received their calls to serve through “snail mail.” But with this switch, they are able to view their call through a secured website and are even notified by text or email when their assignment has been made.“The Lord has impressed upon my mind the importance of the name He has revealed for His Church, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We have work before us to bring ourselves in harmony with His will. In recent weeks, various Church leaders and departments have initiated the necessary steps to do so. Additional information about this important matter will be made available in the coming months.”A letter signed by the First Presidency and sent to general and local Church leaders established new guidelines for bishop interviews with the youth.An excerpt from a statement issued by the First Presidency on January 2, 2019, said: “Over these many centuries, details associated with temple work have been adjusted periodically, including language, methods of construction, communication, and record-keeping. Prophets have taught that there will be no end to such adjustments as directed by the Lord to His servants.”<strong>7. </strong><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/from-snail-mail-to-email-mission-calls-are-going-digital?lang=eng"><strong>So long, snail mail—mission calls to be posted online.</strong></a><li>Mendoza, Argentina</li><li>Salvador, Brazil</li><li>Yuba City, California</li><li>Phnom Penh, Cambodia</li><li>Praia, Cape Verde</li><li>Yigo, Guam</li><li>Puebla, Mexico</li><li>Auckland, New Zealand</li><li>Lagos, Nigeria</li><li>Davao, Philippines</li><li>San Juan, Puerto Rico</li><li>Washington County, Utah</li><li>Salta, Argentina</li><li>Bengaluru, India</li><li>Managua, Nicaragua</li><li>Cagayan de Oro, Philippines</li><li>Layton, Utah</li><li>Richmond, Virginia</li><li>A major city yet to be determined in Russia</li>Starting December 31, 2019, “the Church will conclude its relationship as a chartered organization with all Scouting programs around the world,” according to a statement released by the Church and BSA on May 8, 2018. Missionary candidates now receive their assignments online instead of in the mail. In Fruit Heights, Utah, 17-year-old Billy Elliott recently received his call to the Peru Chiclayo Mission.“Bishops have a sacred responsibility to lead, teach, and inspire youth,” the letter reads. “Effective personal interviews are one important way they do this. These interviews provide opportunities to help youth become disciples of the Savior, repent of transgressions, and live the gospel of Jesus Christ.”With a goal of ensuring that all activities in the Church “increase faith in the Lord Jesus Christ” and share His message “throughout the world,” the Church announced that only <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-finalizes-pageant-decision?lang=eng">three of the seven existing pageants will continue</a>—the Nauvoo Pageant, the Mesa Pageant, and the British Pageant.<strong>1. </strong><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/first-presidency-announces-restructuring-of-melchizedek-priesthood-quorums?lang=eng"><strong>Priesthood quorums are restructured.</strong></a>On June 18, the Church announced plans to publish new editions of the <em>Hymns</em> and the <em>Children’s Songbook</em>. Sacred music teaches the doctrines of the gospel, nourishes us spiritually, and has the power to unify Church members throughout the world. The Church has announced that it will revise the <em>Hymns</em> and the <em>Children’s Songbook</em> and invites members to participate.“We desire to offer a consistent core collection of hymns and songs in every language that reflects the diverse needs of the global Church in our day,” said Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/ronald-a-rasband?lang=eng">Ronald A. Rasband</a> of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.<strong>6. </strong><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/mormon-is-out-church-releases-statement-on-how-to-refer-to-the-organization?lang=eng"><strong>Calling The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by its full name.</strong></a>The inspired “organizational adjustments”—endorsed by all members of the Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles—will “fortify our members and their families,” said President Nelson. Erik Ramsay and Amy Ramsay react to the announcement of 12 new temples during the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in downtown Salt Lake City on Sunday, October 7, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.In the same April 2018 general conference, President Nelson announced another shift from visiting teaching to ministering.In addition, young men will be eligible to be ordained to a priesthood office in January of the year they turn 12, 14, and 16, and youth will be eligible to obtain a limited-use temple recommend beginning in January of the year they turn 12—based on their “individual worthiness, readiness, and personal circumstances,” wrote the First Presidency in a December 14 letter to local priesthood leaders.“Sunday Church meetings will consist of a 60-minute sacrament meeting each Sunday followed by a 50-minute class that will alternate each week. Sunday School will be held on the first and third Sundays. Priesthood quorums, Relief Society, and Young Women meetings will be held on the second and fourth Sundays. Meetings on the fifth Sunday will be under the direction of the bishop. Primary will be held weekly.”January 14 marks one year since President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-russell-m-nelson-named-17th-president-of-the-church?lang=eng">Russell M. Nelson became the 17th prophet</a> of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As this historic anniversary approaches, we thought it would be fitting to take a look back at some of the Church’s announcements throughout the past year.<strong>11. </strong><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/hill-cumorah-pageant-to-take-a-final-bow-in-2020-heres-what-to-expect-from-other-productions?lang=eng"><strong>Priesthood leaders announce discontinuance of major Church pageants.</strong></a>“For years, Church leaders have been preparing a new initiative to teach and provide leadership and development opportunities to all children and youth, to support families, and to strengthen youth everywhere as they develop faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” the statement noted. “This new approach is intended to help all girls and boys, young women and young men discover their eternal identity, build character and resilience, develop life skills, and fulfill their divine roles as daughters and sons of God.”“Effective ministering efforts are enabled by the innate gifts of the sisters and by the incomparable power of the priesthood,” President Nelson said. “We all need such protection from the cunning wiles of the adversary.”The Church also announced four new missions on January 2, 2019, with 12 existing missions to be dissolved into neighboring missions. Changes will take place July 1, at which time the Church will have a total of 399 missions worldwide.President Nelson also <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-nelson-in-montreal-were-correcting-not-changing-the-churchs-name?lang=eng">spoke on this topic in Canada</a> and during <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/name-of-the-church-not-negotiable-president-nelson-says?lang=eng">October 2018 general conference</a>.<strong>2. </strong><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/ministering-to-replace-home-and-visiting-teaching?lang=eng"><strong>Ministering replaces home and visiting teaching.</strong></a>“Adjustment to the missionary dress and grooming standards have changed over time since the beginning of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in 1830 and will continue to do so in the future,” said Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/dieter-f-uchtdorf?lang=eng">Dieter F. Uchtdorf</a> of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “As we adapt these standards, we always carefully consider the dignity of the missionary calling to represent Jesus Christ; the safety, security, and health of our beloved missionaries; and the cultural sensitivities of the places where they serve.”<strong>12. </strong><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/age-changes-for-youth-progression-and-ordination-announced?lang=eng"><strong>Changes to Primary progression, Young Men priesthood ordination, and youth temple recommends.</strong></a><strong>3. </strong><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-to-end-relationship-with-scouting-announces-new-activity-program-for-children-and-youth?lang=eng"><strong>The Church to end its relationship with Boy Scouts at the end of 2019, create new children and youth development program.</strong></a>“Tonight, we announce a significant restructuring of our Melchizedek Priesthood quorums to accomplish the work of the Lord more effectively,” he said. “In each ward, the high priests and the elders will now be combined into one elders quorum. This adjustment will greatly enhance the capacity and ability of men who bear the priesthood to serve others.”<strong>15. </strong><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-announces-four-new-missions-2019-boundary-realignments?lang=eng"><strong>New missions and boundary realignments.</strong></a>“As an extension to the new printed hymnbook and songbook, additional sacred music will be made available online, including music of local interest in each language,” said Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/legrand-r-curtis?lang=eng">LeGrand R. Curtis Jr.</a>, a General Authority Seventy and an adviser to the revision project. “The new hymnbook and songbook, as well as music from the current hymnbook and songbook, will also be available online.”“Beginning in January, children will complete Primary and begin attending Sunday School and Young Men and Young Women as age groups, not as individuals following their 12th birthdays.”To better align with President Nelson’s call to refrain from using “Mormon” as a nickname, the “Mormon Tabernacle Choir” changed their name to “The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.”<strong>13. </strong><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/all-sister-missionaries-now-have-option-of-wearing-slacks?lang=eng"><strong>Sister missionaries can now wear dress pants.</strong></a>In another historic session of general conference in October 2018, President Nelson announced that beginning in 2019, Church meetings will begin supporting a new home-centered curriculum.<strong>8. </strong><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/mormon-tabernacle-choir-changes-its-name-not-its-mission-or-message?lang=eng"><strong>Gone are the days of “MoTab.” Church announces a revised name for choir.</strong></a>“Technology is there, and it’s so easy to do,” said Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/brent-h-nielson?lang=eng">Brent H. Nielson</a>, Executive Director of the Missionary Department. “We just put it online and they can read it in a matter of minutes.”<strong>14. </strong><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/first-presidency-releases-statement-on-temples?lang=eng"><strong>First Presidency releases a statement on temples.</strong></a>The Church issued a statement from President Nelson in August 2018 regarding the name of the Church. The statement reads:The First Presidency also updated missionary dress and grooming standards in December 2018.<strong>5. </strong><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/first-presidency-releases-new-guidelines-for-interviewing-youth?lang=eng"><strong>New guidelines for youth bishop interviews are established.</strong></a>In December 2018, the First Presidency announced changes to Primary progression, young men priesthood ordination, and youth temple recommends.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/10/350-heres-15-major-church-announcements-made-since-president-nel_9.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> The First Presidency announced changes December 14 to the timeline children and youth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will complete Primary, move from one class or quorum to the next, and attend the temple for the first time. The changes, effective January 2019, also impact when young men may be ordained to priesthood offices.</p>
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“We have made the decision to retire ‘home teaching’ and ‘visiting teaching’ as we have known them,” he said. “Instead, we will implement a newer, holier approach to caring and ministering to others. We will refer to these efforts simply as ministering.”During the <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/7-new-temples-announced-during-april-2018-general-conference?lang=eng">April 2018</a> and <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-nelson-announces-plans-to-build-12-new-temples?lang=eng">October 2018</a> general conference sessions, President Nelson announced a combined number of 19 new temples. Those temples will be built in the following locations:Leaders who conduct interviews with youth should “prepare themselves spiritually to be guided by the Holy Ghost” and are encouraged “to carefully review the guidelines for interviews and counseling,” according to the letter.<strong>4. </strong><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-announces-plans-for-new-hymnbook-and-childrens-songbook?lang=eng"><strong>Updates to come to Church hymnbook and <em>Children’s Songbook</em>.</strong></a><strong>10. President Nelson announces 19 new temples.</strong>“It’s a natural fit,” said choir president Ron Jarrett. “‘Tabernacle,’ because this is our home. ‘Temple Square,’ because that is where we perform. It’s where we are based and where we serve the Church.”In the priesthood session of the 188th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Nelson announced changes to the structure of priesthood quorums.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/review-the-15-major-church-announcements-since-president-nelson-became-prophet?lang=eng#2983976451Tue, 15 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
President Nelson Visits and Comforts California Fire Victims
https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-nelson-visits-and-comforts-california-fire-victims?lang=eng
<p> Robert and Gretchen Harrison look over the remains of their home with their children, Cassidy, Braden, and Abby, in Paradise, California, on Sunday, January 13, 2019, two months after the Camp Fire destroyed more than 18,000 homes and businesses. <span class="featured-media__credit">Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.</span>“In the midst of heart-wrenching loss it is natural for our souls to long for things to be the way they used to be,” she said. “When we realize that that simply is not possible, we seek for those things that will never change. We seek for what we can really count on, for what we can hold on to. We search for what is real.” President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, pause with Lillianna Mower after a meeting in Chico, California, on Sunday, January 13, 2019, two months after the Camp Fire destroyed more than 18,000 homes and businesses. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News. Attendees look on as President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints enters the chapel in Chico, California, on Sunday, January 13, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.President John R. Meyer, Chico California Stake president, spoke of a note sent to the fire victims from a child in Manhattan. The note, accompanied by cute drawings, included the message: “When you love what you have, you have everything you need.”President Nelson’s words were delivered just two days after the death of his daughter, Wendy Nelson Maxfield, to cancer. (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/daughter-of-president-nelson-dies-after-courageous-battle-with-cancer?lang=eng">related story</a>.)The truths of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ are never sweeter than in times of loss, she added. “No one can ever take away from us that the Only Begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ, is truly our Redeemer, our Healer. How anchoring it is to know that the commandments will never change and that our covenants, if we live worthy, will always give us access to God’s power. What else can we count on? What else is really true? <span class="inline-image__caption"><span class="inline-image__caption">A child's drawing of the recent fire in Chico, California, on Sunday, January 13, 2019, two months after the Camp Fire destroyed 1,400 homes and hundreds of businesses. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.</span></span>“Your hope, your joy, and your future will all be shaped by your faith in God and by your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,” he said.<em>My covenants with God give me power</em> <span class="inline-image__caption">Marnette Barton cries while meeting President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after a meeting in Chico, California, on Sunday, January 13, 2019.</span> <span class="featured-media__credit">Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.</span> Elder Kevin W. Pearson, General Authority Seventy, hugs fire victim Robert Harrison in Paradise, California, on Sunday, January 13, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.<em>To rise from the ashes and grief of the past,</em>In the days after the disaster, more than 12,000 community members received some service from members of the Chico California Stake. In many cases the service was rendered by those who had also lost their homes, which included 95 percent of the Paradise 1st Ward.President Nelson shared the same message with the thousands of Latter-day Saints gathered in the Chico California Stake Center. “We care about you. We care for you, and we love you,” he said. President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints looks over destroyed homes with his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, in Paradise, California, on Sunday, January 13, 2019, two months after the Camp Fire destroyed 1,400 homes and hundreds of businesses. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News. President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints speaks in Chico, California, on Sunday, January 13, 2019, two months after the Camp Fire destroyed more than 18,000 homes and businesses. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.After visiting Chico and Paradise, speaking to Latter-day Saints from the broader community, and learning of the area’s goodness in the face of trial, President Nelson said, “Now I feel better informed about what was behind the revelation that there should be a temple in Yuba City.”“You learn that everyone has challenges,” President Nelson said. “If you want to feel better, forget about yourself and serve someone else.” President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints looks over destroyed homes with his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, in Paradise, California, on Sunday, January 13, 2019, two months after the Camp Fire destroyed 1,400 homes and hundreds of businesses. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.“Today, my brothers and sisters, my message is that you can count on that.” Attendees look on as President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints enters the chapel in Chico, California, on Sunday, January 13, 2019. <span class="featured-media__credit"> Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.</span>Sister Pearson also promised the congregation that through personal revelation they would feel God’s love. She asked them to seek the companionship of the Holy Ghost. “You need the constant guidance of the Holy Ghost to be with you,” she said. <img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/14/620-a-memorial-for-deceased-fire-victims-is-displayed-in-paradise.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>“Today is an answer to your prayers, evidence They are listening to your heartfelt prayers and know of your needs. If you listen carefully with your hearts you will hear Their voices and feel Their love for you, for each of you personally.”President Nelson announced the Church’s plans to build a temple in Yuba City, and 11 other locations worldwide, in the final moments of general conference on October 7. (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-nelson-announces-plans-to-build-12-new-temples?lang=eng">related story</a>.)President Nelson said Horatio immediately set sail for England. As he passed over the spot where the shipwreck had occurred, he wrote down the words of comfort and hope that filled his mind. Those words became the text for the hymn “<a href="https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2018-10-4061-it-is-well-with-my-soul?lang=eng&amp;_r=1">It Is Well with My Soul</a>.”His example of care for others resonated with Latter-day Saints in Paradise, who also found peace and hope in the service of others after fire destroyed their community on November 9.“We can hardly comprehend the tragic losses that you have sustained—loss of life, loss of homes, loss of jobs, workplaces, and much, much, more,” said the leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during a special conference held for members of the Chico California Stake, which includes two units in Paradise. “The accounts of your suffering are exceeded only by the accounts of your ministering.” The remains of a destroyed Latter-day Saint meetinghouse still stand in Paradise, California, on Sunday, January 13, 2019, two months after the Camp Fire destroyed more than 18,000 homes and businesses. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.“These people are acting just like the Lord would act were He here,” said President Nelson as he visited the Harrisons. “There are challenges, but with faith—keeping the commandments and knowing that God’s in charge—all will be well in the long run.”President Meyer said the greatest evidence that mankind is created in the likeness of a loving Father in Heaven is found in the goodness of people.President Nelson was joined at the stake conference and on the visit to Paradise by his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, and by Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/kevin-w-pearson?lang=eng">Kevin W. Pearson</a>, General Authority Seventy, who spent three days in Paradise after the fire, and his wife, Sister June L. Pearson. A memorial for deceased fire victims is displayed in Paradise, California, on Sunday, January 13, 2019, two months after the Camp Fire destroyed more than 18,000 homes and businesses. <span class="featured-media__credit"> Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.</span> A choir sings during a meeting in Chico, California, on Sunday, January 13, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.Sister Nelson told the congregation that she and President Nelson “already love you and we honor you for your great faith that you are showing in the midst of your devastating losses.”<strong>A new temple</strong> President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, talk with fire victims Rick and Kathie Turner by the burned chapel in Paradise, California, on Sunday, January 13, 2019, two months after the Camp Fire destroyed 1,400 homes and hundreds of businesses. <span class="featured-media__credit"> Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.</span>During his remarks, President Nelson said the Old Testament prophet Isaiah likened the righteous who mourn—“including you heroic brothers and sisters”—to trees of righteousness planted by God.The deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history, the Camp Fire raced through Paradise the morning of November 8, leaving 88 dead and destroying 18,804 structures.<em>Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul.”</em>Church leaders, she said, have learned of “your losses, your ministering to each other, your miracles, and your faith.”Elder Pearson called President Nelson’s presence at the Chico stake conference a sign from Heavenly Father and the Savior.Two months after the <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/scores-of-latter-day-saint-families-have-lost-homes-to-paradise-fire-in-california?lang=eng">Camp Fire</a> savagely claimed an entire community here, President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/russell-m-nelson?lang=eng">Russell M. Nelson</a> surveyed the ashes of Paradise on Sunday and spoke to the community’s Latter-day Saint residents about loss—his and theirs.<em>“My future is bright, as my covenants I keep.</em><strong>Times of loss</strong>“We have come to minister unto you. We want to bring you hope. I know the Lord has been guiding you in your efforts to recover and move forward in faith.”<strong>“We have come to minister”</strong>Elder Pearson told the congregation that they have been in his thoughts and in his prayers continuously following his visit to Paradise in the days after the fire. “The stake truly became a defense and a refuge for the entire community,” he said. “Your collective light, brothers and sisters, has been and continues to be a beacon of hope and the evidence of true discipleship of the Lord Jesus Christ.”After President Nelson’s remarks the choir performed the hymn with a special addition—a concluding verse written by Sister Nelson for the congregation.“We mourn the loss of our second daughter,” said an emotional President Nelson in an interview after surveying the ashes of Paradise. “Fathers can’t have that without feeling a deep sense of grief. And yet there is nothing we would rather do than to try to be of help to others.” A burned-out Camaro remains on Sunday, January 13, 2019, in Paradise, California, after being destroyed in the Camp Fire. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.“My husband and I understand loss,” said Sister Nelson, noting that just 40 hours earlier they had learned that President Nelson’s daughter had “slipped through the veil to join her mother, Dantzel, and her sister Emily.”Before the stake conference, President Nelson greeted government and civic leaders during a short reception. One group included local leaders from Yuba City, located 40 miles outside of Chico.For example, President Nelson recounted the story of Horatio Spafford, a real estate investor who lost a fortune in the great Chicago fire of 1871. After his 4-year-old son died of scarlet fever, Horatio sent his wife and four daughters to England, thinking a vacation would do the family good. Before he could join them, however, Horatio received word from his wife that the ship had sunk and claimed their daughters. “Saved alone,” she wrote. “What shall I do?”Rob and Gretchen Harrison and their three children walked with President Nelson around the remains of their home. Rob Harrison is bishop of the Paradise 1st Ward.PARADISE, CALIFORNIA Attendees cry while watching President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after a meeting in Chico, California, on Sunday, January 13, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.<strong>A sign from Heavenly Father</strong> <span class="inline-image__caption"><span class="inline-image__caption">A youngster looks over drawings of the recent fire in Chico, California, on Sunday, January 13, 2019, two months after the Camp Fire destroyed 1,400 homes and hundreds of businesses. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.</span> </span></p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-nelson-visits-and-comforts-california-fire-victims?lang=eng#2395723265Mon, 14 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Daughter of President Nelson Dies after Courageous Battle with Cancer
https://www.lds.org/church/news/daughter-of-president-nelson-dies-after-courageous-battle-with-cancer?lang=eng
<p>She is the second of nine daughters and one son to be born to President Nelson and Sister Dantzel White Nelson. <span class="featured-media__caption">Wendy Nelson Maxfield, a daughter of President Russell M. Nelson, passed away Friday, January 11, 2019, after a courageous battle with cancer.</span>“We express our love to the entire Nelson and Maxfield family as they remember her life and mourn her passing,” said Church spokesman Irene Caso. <span class="featured-media__caption">The Norman and Wendy Nelson Maxfield family. Sister Maxfield, daughter of President Russell M. Nelson, passed away Friday, January 11, 2019, after a courageous battle with cancer</span>.She and her husband, Norman A. Maxfield, are the parents of seven children and have 20 grandchildren.Sister Maxfield is preceded in death by her sister Emily Nelson Wittwer—who died on January 29, 1995, at age 37 of cancer—and her mother, Sister Dantzel W. Nelson, who died unexpectedly on February 12, 2005.Wendy Nelson Maxfield—a daughter of President Russell M. Nelson, the leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint Saints—died Friday, January 11, 2019, at her home after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 67.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/daughter-of-president-nelson-dies-after-courageous-battle-with-cancer?lang=eng#463130461Sun, 13 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Music and the Spoken Word: Truth and Relationships Anchor Us on Life’s Unexpected Journeys
https://www.lds.org/church/news/music-and-the-spoken-word-truth-and-relationships-anchor-us-on-lifes-unexpected-journeys?lang=eng
<p>The <em>Music and the Spoken Word</em> broadcast is available on KSL-TV, KSL Radio 1160 AM/102.7 FM, <a href="http://ksl.com/">ksl.com</a>, KSL X-stream, BYU-TV, BYU Radio, BYU-TV International, CBS Radio Network, Dish Network, DirecTV, SiriusXM Radio (Channel 143), and on the Tabernacle Choir’s <a href="http://mormontabernaclechoir.org/">website</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/MormonTabChoir">YouTube channel</a>.No matter the transitions we must make, no matter the bridges we must cross, if we are anchored in truth and connected to those who love and support us, we can rest assured that we will arrive safely on the other side.<strong>Tuning in</strong>A young man and his father took an adventurous hike in a remote mountainous area. At one point their path brought them to a wide, deep chasm. The only way forward was to cross a long suspension bridge. At first, they were hesitant. Was the bridge safe? But then they saw the firm anchors on either side and the strong cables that held the span in place. Seeing the strength of the bridge and knowing that many others had gone this way before them, they confidently crossed the chasm and continued their journey.The program is aired live on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. on many of these outlets. Look up broadcast information by state and city at <a href="http://musicandthespokenword.org/schedules.shtml">musicandthespokenword.org</a>.If we want to safely cross the bridges that span from one stage of life to another, we need secure anchors and strong connections. We can be anchored by values that do not shift with the times, by truth that does not sway in the winds of change. Connections with family, friends, and mentors will give us confidence that we can make lasting and meaningful progress in our transitions through life. Perhaps no anchor is stronger, no connection more important, than our relationship with the divine and our trust in heaven’s help.Other transitions are less predictable. We might transition from being single to married, from unemployment to a steady job, from health to chronic illness, or any of these in reverse. We know that life’s path must take us through such changes; otherwise we will never really go anywhere. Still, it can be hard to transition from the familiar to the unknown.<em>Editor's note: The “spoken word” is shared by Lloyd Newell each Sunday during the weekly Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square broadcast. The following was given January 6, 2019.</em>Life is often compared to a pathway. And as most of us know by experience, that pathway is rarely smooth and straight. Rather, it takes us on a journey of peaks and valleys, twists and turns. Some of these are expected: Childhood passes into youth. Youthful life evolves into adulthood and, eventually, into life’s twilight. We know these changes are coming, and we can prepare ourselves to transition from one stage to another.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/music-and-the-spoken-word-truth-and-relationships-anchor-us-on-lifes-unexpected-journeys?lang=eng#3836871004Sun, 13 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Elder and Sister Renlund Tell Young Adults to Let Faith, Not Doubt, Drive Questions
https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-and-sister-renlund-tell-young-adults-to-let-faith-not-doubt-drive-questions?lang=eng
<p>Inviting the young adults of the Church to develop an individual testimony of the Savior and the truth of His Church, Elder and Sister Renlund challenged individuals to study the scriptures and words of the living prophets with a spirit of faith rather than doubt.“If you have forgotten, we urge you to do something to recapture the feeling. This knowledge and these feelings are the beginnings of faith,” Sister Renlund said. “Faith is a choice that each person must make. … Faith is also a principle of action.”Coming to a knowledge of Jesus Christ and His Atonement, a loving Father in Heaven, and the great plan of salvation requires a choice of faith and not of doubt, Elder Renlund said. It also requires one to turn to trustworthy and reliable sources in their pursuit of knowledge and truth.In this life, no one will know everything they desire a knowledge of, Sister Renlund said, but they can know enough to continue in faith on the path their Father in Heaven has put before them.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/13/350-renlund_V6A63291.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Ruth L. Renlund, speak during a worldwide devotional for young adults on January 13, 2019, at BYU–Hawaii.</p>
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Screen capture of an image shared during the worldwide devotional to illustrate the parable shared by Elder and Sister Renlund on January 13, 2019.“Doubt is not and will never be the precursor of faith any more than light depends on darkness for its creation,” Elder Renlund said.“The sole purpose of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to help Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in Their work to bring to pass the eternal life of God’s children,” Sister Renlund said. “It provides the covenant path, the way to return to our Heavenly Father. Those who serve in the Church, though not perfect, are essential to help and encourage us along the covenant path.”<a href="https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/watch/worldwide-devotionals/2019/01?lang=eng&amp;vid=5989049447001"><strong>Watch the full broadcast now.</strong></a>“This is the greatest gift that God can give,” Sister Renlund said. “It is through this process that we come to know Jesus Christ, to know of His living reality, and to know of His love and compassion.”Using Joseph Smith as an example of the importance of asking questions of God, Sister Renlund said, “To have questions about the Church and its doctrines is normal and the root of gospel learning.” But to receive the kind of answer Joseph Smith sought—and the kind of answer that the children of God crave in search of truth—she said, seekers need to approach God with a believing heart and mind.Sharing the story of a young man with whom Elder Renlund became acquainted, Elder Renlund related the dangers of allowing doubts to fuel one’s personal queries.In other words, Sister Renlund continued, those on the covenant path who choose to endure to the end are those who will experience the gift of eternal life.Paraphrasing a statement from Elder John A. Widtsoe, Elder Renlund said, “Doubt, unless changed into inquiry from reliable, trustworthy sources, has no value or worth. The stagnant doubter, one content with himself, unwilling to make the appropriate effort, to pay the price of divine discovery, inevitably reaches unbelief and darkness. His doubts grow like poisonous mushrooms in the dim shadows of his mental and spiritual chambers. At last, blind like the mole in his burrow, he usually substitutes ridicule for reason, indolence for labor, and becomes a lazy scholar. Doubt is not wrong unless it becomes an end in and of itself. That doubt which feeds and grows upon itself, and breeds more doubt, is evil.” Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, and Sister Ruth L. Renlund, greet young adults gathered at the Brigham Young University–Hawaii campus in Laie, Hawaii, following the worldwide devotional for young adults on January 13, 2019. Young adults gathered at the Brigham Young University–Hawaii campus in Laie, Hawaii, listen as Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, and Sister Ruth L. Renlund, speak during a worldwide devotional for young adults on January 13, 2019.“I did not hear a voice, but it was as if God told me, ‘I have been telling you all along that it is true,’” Elder Renlund said on Sunday, January 13, during a worldwide devotional for young adults. “That experience changed me. It changed my life. It began a process of belief, a process of being on the covenant path and trying to do more and trying to do better.”“Where did you come to a knowledge of your Redeemer? How did you feel?” Sister Renlund queried after Elder Renlund shared his own remembrance of first feeling the Spirit and building his testimony.Addressing issues of faith and doubt, which Sister Renlund said had been on their minds for many months, <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2018-06-13/what-seminary-teachers-need-to-do-to-foster-faith-in-the-classroom-47353" target="_blank" class="sense-link">the Renlunds shared a parable </a>about a stranded swimmer lost at sea and a kind fisherman in an old boat who comes to the rescue of the lone swimmer.She continued, “You do not have to be an ordained seer, like my husband, to know that slipping back into the water instead of staying in the boat is risky. Yet, when we lose sight of the big picture, the small dents and peeling paint can loom large in our minds.”<b>No value in continual doubts</b>“What we consider dents and peeling paint on the well-used boat may turn out to be divinely sanctioned and divinely directed from an eternal perspective,” Elder Renlund said. “The Lord has either had a hand in the dents and the peeling paint or He uses them for His own purposes.”As an 11-year-old boy living in Göteborg, Sweden, Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/dale-g-renlund?lang=eng">Dale G. Renlund</a> of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles began to grow his testimony by following the counsel of the local mission president at the time. Somewhere in his reading of the the Book of Mormon, a young Dale Renlund accepted the invitation to find for himself the truth of the book. He offered a simple prayer to his Father in Heaven, asking to know of its truth.“The blogosphere cannot replace scripture study and reading the words of living prophets and apostles,” Sister Renlund said. “Foster your faith by going to trustworthy sources to find answers to your questions.”Having a personal witness of truth is more important than ever before, Sister Renlund said.Once comfortably within the protection of the rescuing vessel, it may be easy to begin to doubt its reliability and strength, she explained, noting how in the parable, after noticing dents and paint chips in the boat, the swimmer begins to doubt the ability of the boat and its captain to carry them safely to shore.<b>Enduring safely to shore</b><b>Questions of faith</b>If each of us represents the swimmer, Elder and Sister Renlund said, then the boat—the rescue vehicle—would represent the Church, and the kind fisherman would represent those who serve in the Church. While dented and well-used, the boat is a reliable vessel, sent to help us return to our destination.Asking questions that are motivated by faith can lead to more faith, but questions that begin with doubt can often lead to more doubts, Sister Renlund said, noting that consistent doubting can become a form of “Church history whack-a-mole.”Elder Renlund added: “You will miss spiritually important events if you choose persistent doubt, fueled by answers from faithless and unfaithful sources.”Elder Renlund and his wife, Sister Ruth L. Renlund, spoke in tandem during the devotional Sunday night that originated from the Brigham Young University–Hawaii campus in Laie, Hawaii, and was broadcast via satellite for young adult members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints around the world. Screen capture of an image shared during the worldwide devotional to illustrate the parable shared by Elder and Sister Renlund on January 13, 2019.Returning to the parable they shared of the swimmer and the fisherman, Sister Renlund said, “Those who choose to stay on the well-used, dented boat with the chipped paint are those who recognize that the boat saved them from drowning and can get them safely to shore.” Young adults gathered at the Brigham Young University–Hawaii campus in Laie, Hawaii, listen as Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, and Sister Ruth L. Renlund, speak during a worldwide devotional for young adults on January 13, 2019.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-and-sister-renlund-tell-young-adults-to-let-faith-not-doubt-drive-questions?lang=eng#3131683247Sun, 13 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
President Nelson Bringing Hope to Paradise Fire Victims Sunday
https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-nelson-bringing-hope-to-paradise-fire-victims-sunday?lang=eng
<p>Among those served were school children loaded on four buses by the Paradise Unified School District and sent first to the Chico Fair Grounds.To date, Jo Anne Madsen, the Chico California Stake Relief Society president, has received more than 4,000 packages at her home. Having noticed it was overwhelming for fire victims to figure out what to buy, she began putting “home starter kits” together for them. “They would go shopping and say, ‘I need to buy this for the house.’ Then they would realize, ‘Oh, I don’t have a house anymore.’”As that was happening, local leaders were organizing clothing and food donations and finding places to house all the evacuees.Looking over burned cans of food storage, Kathie turns to three metal bowls sitting on the perimeter. “I got them out,” she said. “They maintained their shape.”<b>President Nelson to offer hope</b>In the days and weeks that followed, the Church participated in a toy drive, a giving tree, and Christmas sub-for-Santa projects. They hosted clothing drives. One Church group pledged to replace the music instruments lost in the fire, another sent ties for the men and young men in Paradise. They hosted dinners—including a Thanksgiving dinner—and accepted thousands of packages sent to those in need.“We lost our town,” she explained, “but we maintained our testimony.”Like everyone here, Latter-day Saints in Paradise lost much. Of the 1,399 member homes on the Paradise ridge, only six remain totally intact, said Josh F. W. Cook, area director of public affairs for the Church.She bent down and picked up a blackened bowl, holding a blackened spoon. This was breakfast on the morning on November 8. That was the day a thick darkness consumed Jeremy Chatfield’s dental practice. Although he didn’t know it, the dark was a foreboding indicator of the devastation ahead. On November 17, 2018, Elder Kevin W. Pearson, a General Authority Seventy, listens to and comforts those impacted by California’s deadliest wildfire, which heavily damaged Paradise, California.The first five days after the disaster volunteers working in the Chico California Stake Center served 750 people a day with food and clothing.Brynn Chatfield posted her desperate escape and prayer video online—and it went viral. She still receives comments and messages from people thanking her for her willingness to turn to God in the face of tragedy. Rick and Kathie Turner look over their destroyed home in Paradise, California, on Saturday, January 12, 2019, two months after the Camp Fire destroyed more than 18,000 homes and businesses. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News. Food storage sits in the remains of Jeremy and Brynn Chatfield’s home in Paradise, California, on Saturday, January 12, 2019, two months after the Camp Fire destroyed more than 18,000 homes and businesses. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News. Kathie Turner looks over her destroyed home in Paradise, California, on Saturday, January 12, 2019, two months after the Camp Fire destroyed more than 18,000 homes and businesses. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.<b>Latter-day Saint response</b>After loading their cars and picking up a community member on the side of the road, the couple headed out of Paradise. As they drove, for 45 terrifying seconds, hot flames licked both sides of their car. The couple, active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, worried the heat would pop their tires.Many in the community began referring to the Chico Bishops’ Storehouse as “the grocery store without a cash register.” Volunteers load goods and supplies in Oroville, California, on November 17, 2018, to give to those impacted by California’s deadliest wildfire, which heavily damaged Paradise, California.Elder Pearson said “the acts of charity, selfless service, and personal ministering within the community have been astonishing.”Both couples get emotional when they think about their many friends who are resettling in areas outside of Chico and Paradise.<b>Moving forward</b>He invited local members to seek out those in need.Brynn Chatfield did the only thing she could. As she recorded the consuming fire with her phone, she offered a prayer. “Heavenly Father, please help us. Please help us to be safe. I am thankful for Jeremy and his willingness to be brave.”For the Turners, returning to the place they have lived for 24 years feels a little like participating in an archaeological dig of their life. They know there is not much salvageable on their property. But when something looks intact, they rescue it. “I say, ‘Here’s a little piece of our life.’”Kathie Turner says there is no other option. A flag flies over damage in Paradise, California, on Saturday, January 12, 2019, two months after the Camp Fire destroyed more than 18,000 homes and businesses. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News. Several hundred Latter-day Saints and community members gather at a warehouse in Oroville, California, on November 17, 2018, to package and distribute food and supplies to those impacted by a deadly wildfire that heavily damaged Paradise, California.Jeremy Chatfield’s mother stopped in and took the couple’s three daughters ahead.Blair Parrott, the community outreach officer with the California Highway Patrol Chico Area, needed help collecting Christmas presents for the “Chips for Kids” toy drive. The goal was to collect 2,400 toys, one for each of the 2,400 school-age kids displaced in Paradise. A Latter-day Saint building was used to organize and stage the drive, during which 14,012 toys were collected. A Young Women medallion is recovered in Paradise, California, on Saturday, January 12, 2019, two months after the Camp Fire destroyed more than 18,000 homes and businesses. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.The Chatfields are also in limbo. Jeremy Chatfield is continuing his dental practice in Chico, but he does not know if enough people will return to Paradise to rebuild his practice there. Chairs remained stacked at a burned-out meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Paradise, California, on Saturday, January 12, 2019, two months after the Camp Fire destroyed more than 18,000 homes and businesses. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.He doesn’t have a plan to heal, to take care of family, or to rebuild. “It is uncomfortable.”PARADISE, CALIFORNIA Jeremy Chatfield finds items from his destroyed dental office in Paradise, California, on Saturday, January 12, 2019, two months after the Camp Fire destroyed more than 18,000 homes and businesses. Chatfield also lost his home. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.Just as did the Chatfields, Kathie and Rick Turner warned visitors about the sticky white ash that will coat clothes and shoes as they walk around the remains of their home.The sense of loss is profound, explained Rick Turner, a doctor whose medical practice burned. “You aren’t sure what you are going to do next.” Brian Larson looks over free suits given away through Working Wardrobes in Chico, California, on Saturday, January 12, 2019, two months after the Camp Fire destroyed more than 18,000 homes and businesses. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.When Robin Cook, a member of both the Silver Dollar Fair Board and the Church, realized the children could not be accommodated at the fair grounds, where great numbers of people were already gathering, she called the stake center. There the children and school district staff were received by local Relief Society members, fed, and cared for until their parents arrived.Accompanying the Nelsons are Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/kevin-w-pearson?lang=eng">Kevin W. Pearson</a>, a General Authority Seventy, and his wife, Sister June L. Pearson.Elder Pearson traveled to Paradise just eight days after the Camp Fire claimed the community. “We drove through so many neighborhoods once filled with beautiful homes now reduced to ashes,” he said. “The magnitude and intensity of the fire’s destructive force was almost incomprehensible. There was an eerie feeling of emptiness in the lingering smoke-filled air. Yet the faces of the people we met were filled with faith and gratitude. They recounted story after story of the tender mercies involved in their escapes from the fire’s path.” <img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/13/620-president-nelson-bringing-hope-to-paradise-fire-victims-sund_40.jpg" alt="" style="width: 620px; height: 414px;" class=""/>He raced home and found his wife gathering a few items and preparing for what she thought would be another routine fire evacuation. Everyone in Paradise—a forested community of 26,000 nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills above the city of Chico—always knew a fire was possible. Still, Brynn Chatfield explained, no one actually believed fire would find them.It has been two months since the Camp Fire—the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history—destroyed Paradise. Workers walk the community downing trees and collecting hazardous materials, but few residents remain. Although daffodils are beginning to sprout and birds are returning, there is a gloomy air in the town—where darkened brick chimneys still stand, coated with the white, sticky ash.“Love has created a lot of hope in the community, that no one is alone,” said President Meyer. “One of our fears is that we will be forgotten.”Jeremy and Brynn Chatfield walked around what was once their home here with deliberateness, trying to avoid stepping in the sticky white ash that coats this community. A burned-out car sits in Paradise, California, on Saturday, January 12, 2019, two months after the Camp Fire destroyed more than 18,000 homes and businesses. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.The couple learned in the days after the Camp Fire—the devastating November 8 wildfire that left 88 dead and destroyed 18,804 structures, including the Chatfields’ home and business—that “the white stuff will not come off your shoes,” Jeremy Chatfield explained. Hazardous materials are marked in Paradise, California, on Saturday, January 12, 2019, two months after the Camp Fire destroyed more than 18,000 homes and businesses. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News. The Paradise 1st Ward meetinghouse in Paradise, California, on Saturday, January 12, 2019, two months after the Camp Fire destroyed destroyed more than 18,000 homes and businesses. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.Brynn Chatfield pointed through burned trees to another empty foundation: “I grew up in the house right over there. This is where we wanted to raise our children. We bought this house sight unseen.” Aylee and DeLynn Chatfield play in their burned trampoline in Paradise, California, on Saturday, January 12, 2019, two months after the Camp Fire destroyed more than 18,000 homes and businesses. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.Yet in the hours after disaster, many found hope in gathering together and serving others. Now they are looking forward to a different kind of hope. President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/russell-m-nelson?lang=eng">Russell M. Nelson</a> and his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, are expected to speak Sunday during a special conference held for members of the Chico California Stake. The visit from the Latter-day Saint leader comes just two days after his daughter, Wendy Nelson Maxfield, 67, died of cancer.As the evacuated community of Paradise moved into Chico, President John R. Meyer, president of the Chico California Stake, said he immediately knew what the Lord wanted him to do. “We opened up everything the Church has for the whole community,” he said.As news of the disaster spread, President Meyer began receiving phone calls from across the country. Everyone wanted to help. “By nature our default position is to be good,” he said.Cookware, toasters, dish towels, and mixing bowls continue to arrive at Madsens’ home. A room in her house is used as a staging area to assemble and distribute the kits. On November 17, 2018, Elder Kevin W. Pearson, a General Authority Seventy, listens to and comforts those impacted by California’s deadliest wildfire, which heavily damaged Paradise, California.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-nelson-bringing-hope-to-paradise-fire-victims-sunday?lang=eng#28005847Sun, 13 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Quick Tip: Finding How to Perform Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings
https://www.lds.org/church/news/quick-tip-finding-how-to-perform-priesthood-ordinances-and-blessings?lang=eng
<p><strong>Where else are instructions found?</strong><li>“<a href="https://www.lds.org/handbook/handbook-2-administering-the-church/priesthood-ordinances-and-blessings?lang=eng" target="_blank">Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings</a>,” chapter 20 in the Church’s <em>Handbook 2.</em></li><li>“<a href="https://lds365.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=88f7b094f0719dd1bdc73593b&amp;id=95e6b9c736&amp;e=822dd86806" target="_blank">Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings</a>” section in the <em>Family Guidebook </em>(available in print for $1.00 at store.lds.org or <a href="https://lds365.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=88f7b094f0719dd1bdc73593b&amp;id=777ad610d6&amp;e=822dd86806" target="_blank">download a free PDF</a>. </li><li>“<a href="http://lds365.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=88f7b094f0719dd1bdc73593b&amp;id=b5d2f6368a&amp;e=822dd86806">Performing Priesthood Ordinances</a>,” chapter 5 in the manual <em>Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood, Part B.</em></li>To find the Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings section in the Gospel Library app, tap <strong>Individuals and Families</strong> and then <strong>Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings.</strong>Latter-day Saint priesthood holders are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to use the priesthood in giving blessings and performing other ordinances, such as administering to the sick, giving father’s blessings, and consecrating oil.You will then see the table of contents, listing the various ordinances and blessings:Now priesthood holders will have these handy instructions from chapter 20 of the Church’s <a href="https://www.lds.org/handbook/handbook-2-administering-the-church?lang=eng"><em>Handbook 2: Administering the Church</em></a> available right on their phones. Screenshot from the Gospel Library mobile app displaying a list of priesthood ordinances and blessings.Instructions on how to perform priesthood ordinances and blessings are now available in the <a href="https://www.lds.org/pages/mobileapps/gospellibrary?lang=eng">Gospel Library mobile app</a> for easy reference. Screenshot highlighting the Gospel Library mobile app’s new Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings feature.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/quick-tip-finding-how-to-perform-priesthood-ordinances-and-blessings?lang=eng#4209627051Fri, 11 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Pioneers in Brasov: How One Small Family Is Growing the Church in Romania
https://www.lds.org/church/news/pioneers-in-brasov-how-one-small-family-is-growing-the-church-in-romania?lang=eng
<p>The missionaries gave him a Book of Mormon, and Ivan returned to Brasov and his old life, not realizing there was a branch of the Church meeting together there.“As I was reading, I felt it was true, like lost memories coming to life,” he said. About halfway through the book, “I realized my life needed to be aligned with what I was reading and with the will of God.”Recalling how his coworker had knocked on his door after he’d prayed to meet someone he could spend his life with, Ivan felt their next step was marriage. Cristina agreed, and they were legally wed in January 2011, six months after their baptisms.Ivan now works in vehicle accident insurance, and Cristina works from home for a telemarketing company. She said the gospel has helped her be more patient with the children and has taught her how to teach them to pray and share.When the Brasov missionaries called, Ivan was eager to meet them. They couldn’t believe it when he told them he’d been able to stop smoking, literally overnight. The Mesco family enjoys a fountain in the historic main square of Brasov. The Southern Carpathian mountains surround the town. Photo by Laurie Williams Sowby.They live in an apartment building outside the historic center and attend church at the small meetinghouse of the Brasov Branch, where Ivan serves as branch president and Cristina oversees a small group of children ages 3–7 in the Primary.Cristina said she hopes her children will grow up to be missionaries like the ones who brought her and Ivan into the Church. “I want them to be a light to people around them,” she said.Cristina and Ivan immediately hit it off—despite their nine-year age difference—but the fact that she was a university student in the capital city, Bucharest, and his work was based in Brasov, 105 miles (170 kilometers) north, meant they could see each other only on weekends. Taking the train one direction or the other became a weekly occurrence.The Mescos were sealed in the Freiberg Germany Temple in 2012 and continue to enjoy semiannual trips to the temple with three families in their small van, talking and singing during the 19-hour journey.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/10/350-pioneers-in-brasov-how-one-small-family-is-growing-the-churc_7.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Catherine’s Gate, built in 1559, is the only gate of the medieval city still standing in Brasov, Romania. Photo by Laurie Williams Sowby.</p>
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“I felt there was more,” he recalled, speaking in English, which he honed over the years. He again prayed to find answers to his questions. “I need more light,” he remembers telling God. Materials in the Romanian language greet visitors in the foyer of the Brasov Branch meetinghouse. Photo by Laurie Williams Sowby.The branch lies within the Bucharest District of the Church’s recently-realigned boundaries of the Hungary-Romania Mission, whose headquarters are in Budapest, Hungary. There are approximately 3,000 members in Romania in 15 congregations.The centuries-old city in central Romania, part of the scenic Transylvania region and surrounded by the Southern Carpathian mountains, is where the Mescos have chosen to sink their roots as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/10/350-pioneers-in-brasov-how-one-small-family-is-growing-the-churc_4.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Cristina and Ivan Mesco and their children, Filip, 3, and Amina, 5, attend and serve in the Brasov Branch, where Ivan is branch president. Photo by Laurie Williams Sowby.</p>
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The Mescos are determined to remain in Brasov and help build the Church there. Noting that many Romanians left the country after communism fell in December 1989, Ivan said he is happy for his family to have “the opportunity to be spiritual anchors” in the land of their birth.Without either Ivan or Cristina planning it, their baptisms were scheduled for the same day, July 3, 2010. Ivan was baptized in the morning and was able to travel to Cristina’s baptism in Bucharest in the afternoon. The Brasov Branch has one of few actual meetinghouses in Romania and has around 40 members in attendance for weekly Sunday services. Many branches meet in rented spaces or homes. Photo by Laurie Williams Sowby. The main square in Brasov, originally built nine centuries ago, was rebuilt after a fire destroyed the walled city in 1689. Photo by Laurie Williams Sowby.“Some words seemed written for me,” she said.Meanwhile, Ivan had run across an intriguing title at a book fair about ancient prophets and wondered why there weren’t any prophets nowadays.Four days later, when he was in Bucharest to see Cristina, he attended the Bucharest Branch with her and met the missionaries. The fast and testimony meeting was filled with the Spirit, but as the congregation began to sing together, Ivan felt ashamed and uncomfortable with something that felt completely new to him. Looking back, he contrasts that uncomfortable first encounter with the powerful experience that singing the hymns with others has become for him.He decided on a whim to pray and ask God to help him meet someone he could spend his life with. Two weeks later, when a coworker knocked on his door and offered to introduce him to a relative, he was ready.“I was having the time of my life as a single man,” he said, “but something was missing.”She began meeting with them and found her questions answered as she prayed before and after reading passages in the Book of Mormon.It was on one of those trips that Cristina met the missionaries. She had been praying nightly, and “God had prepared me to have an open heart,” she said. “I felt peace when I met them.”BRASOV, ROMANIAShe set a baptismal date, then another, then another.Cristina and Ivan Mesco watch their two children with delight as Amina, 5, and Filip, 3, dash around the ancient water fountain in Brasov’s old town square giggling and squealing and poking their fingers into the water bubbling from the spigot.The Mescos joined the Church eight years ago, each of them leaving the Romanian Orthodox religion that more than 80 percent of Romanians claim.The two met before that, when neither were members. Ivan had been a truck driver, traveling all over Europe.As they were living far apart, Ivan and Cristina began growing apart. But as Ivan looked for ways to rebuild their relationship, he received a personal revelation: “Remember how you met her.”“We are pioneers in Romania,” he said, smiling.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/pioneers-in-brasov-how-one-small-family-is-growing-the-church-in-romania?lang=eng#3444998091Fri, 11 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
New Stakes and Stake Presidencies Announced in December 2018
https://www.lds.org/church/news/new-stakes-and-stake-presidencies-announced-in-december-2018?lang=eng
<p>
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<h3><strong>New stakes</strong></h3>
<p><em>A new stake has been created from the Agoo Philippines District. The Agoo Philippines Stake, which consists of the Sison and Tubao Branches and the Agoo 1st, Agoo 2nd, Agoo 3rd, Damortis, and Rosario Wards, was created by Elder Michael John U. Teh, General Authority Seventy, and Elder Raul S. Villanueva, an Area Seventy.</em></p>
<p><strong>AGOO PHILIPPINES STAKE</strong> (November 4, 2018): President—<strong>Edgardo Gali Dungan</strong>, 47, seminaries and institutes support specialist; wife, Gloria David Boado Dungan. Counselors—<strong>Joseph Rosal Ramos</strong>, 46, Herbalife senior consultant; wife, Maribeth Balderas Estonilo Ramos. <strong>Santiago Ollero Oribello</strong>, 66, desk clerk/investigator, Philex Mining Corporation; wife, Rosalina Estonilo Cariño Oribello.</p>
<p><em>A new stake has been created from the Assin Foso Ghana and Yamoransa Ghana Stakes. The Assin Foso Ghana South Stake, which consists of the Abura Dunkwa, Asebu, Assin Akrofuom, Assin Anynabrem, Assin Darmang, and Assin Edubiase Branches and Abakrampa, Assin Achiasi, Assin Foso 1st, Assin Foso 2nd, and Paramu Wards, was created by Elder Marcus B. Nash, General Authority Seventy, and Elder Anthony M. Kaku, an Area Seventy.</em></p>
<p><strong>ASSIN FOSO GHANA SOUTH STAKE</strong> (September 9, 2018): President—<strong>Ebenezer Quahsah</strong>, 45, assistant director of IT, Ghana Education Service; wife, Charity Arthur Quansah. Counselors—<strong>Bennett Aboagye Asamoah</strong>, 41, administrator, Cecilia and Sammy Memorial Clinic; wife, Mary Adjei-Banin. <strong>Matthew Donkoh</strong>, 46, coordinator, Ghana Education Service; wife, Vivian Mensima Donroh Akromah.</p>
<p><em>A new stake has been created from the Carrefour Haiti Stake and the Haiti Port-au-Prince Mission. The Les Palmes Haiti Stake, which consists of the Tenier Branch and Jacmel, Leogâne 2nd, Meyer, Petit-Goâve 1st, and Petit-Goâve 2nd Wards, was created by Elder Jose L. Alonso, General Authority Seventy, and Elder Hubermann Bien-Aimé, an Area Seventy.</em></p>
<p><strong>LES PALMES HAITI STAKE</strong> (September 9, 2018): President—<strong>Octa Hyacinthe</strong>, 53, school director; wife, Gladys Pierre. Counselors—<strong>Jean Pierre Antonius</strong>, 39, professor; wife, Solangi Nicaisse. <strong>Wilfrid Soliman</strong>, 47, tax agent; wife, Lucine Bruny.</p>
<p><em>A new stake has been created from the Middleton Idaho Stake. The Middleton Idaho East Stake, which consists of the Black Canyon YSA, Middleton 2nd, Middleton 4th, Middleton 5th, Middleton 7th, Middleton 8th, and Middleton 11th Wards, was created by Elder Steven R. Bangerter, General Authority Seventy, and Elder Kenneth J. Firmage, an Area Seventy.</em></p>
<p><strong>MIDDLETON IDAHO EAST STAKE</strong> (September 16, 2018): President—<strong>Fredrick Alan Betzold</strong>, 48, district director, neurology specialist; wife, Amy Buehner Betzold. Counselors—<strong>Matthew Patten Grow</strong>, 46, partner, Grow Rasmussen LLP; wife, Caryn Michele Green Grow. <strong>Spencer W Kofoed</strong>, 44, president, Self-Tradition Capital Partners; wife, Erin Elizabeth Pace Kofoed.</p>
<p><em>A new stake has been created from the Naic Philippines District. The Naic Philippines Stake, which consists of the Carissa, Indang, Maragondon, Naic, Punta, Tanza, Ternate, and Trece Martires Branches, was created by Elder Evan A. Schmutz, General Authority Seventy, and Elder Ryan Virola Pagaduan, an Area Seventy.</em></p>
<p><strong>NAIC PHILIPPINES STAKE</strong> (September 16, 2018): President—<strong>Margelino Gaveria Baloerama</strong>, 44, maintenance mechanic; wife, Maricel Hayag Soreta Baloerama. Counselors—<strong>Jose Jemmel Bustamante Bacolod</strong>, 51, municipal health officer; wife, Ma. Lorena Ninobla Aguino. <strong>George Aranas Padilla</strong>, 44, crew manager, BW Shipping Philippines Inc.; wife, Christie Almoite Galeste Padilla.</p>
<p><em>A new stake has been created from the Santaquin Utah Stake. The Santaquin Utah East Stake, which consists of the Santaquin 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 10th, 12th, 16th, and 22nd Wards, was created by Elder Steven E. Snow, General Authority Seventy, and Elder Richard Holzapfel, an Area Seventy.</em></p>
<p><strong>SANTAQUIN UTAH EAST STAKE</strong> (November 11, 2018): President—<strong>Steven Matley Wood</strong>, 57, director of research, Nu Skin; wife, Jenny Ann Sturm Wood. Counselors—<strong>Gregg Morris Warnick</strong>, 49, director and associate professor, BYU; wife, Kimberly Ann Nicol Warnick. <strong>Ryan Hugh Sharp</strong>, 36, professor of ancient scripture, BYU; wife, Jessica Ashlee Farish Sharp.</p>
<h3><strong>Reorganized stakes</strong></h3>
<p><strong>AKRON OHIO STAKE</strong> (November 18, 2018): President—<strong>Quinn J Coburn</strong>, 55, chief financial officer, Graftech; succeeding Douglas L. Talley; wife, Denna Lynn Floyd Coburn. Counselors—<strong>Tony Tung Nam Wen</strong>, 49, owner, PCDS; wife, Winnsa Siu-Mun Lee Wen. <strong>Kumen Rey Call</strong>, 44, vice president of finance, TT Electronics; wife, Holly Nynnne Hansen Call.</p>
<p><strong>ASSIN FOSO GHANA STAKE</strong> (September 9, 2018): President—<strong>Seth Patrick Owusu</strong>, 53, planning and statistics officer; succeeding Abraham Kwaku Fokuo; wife, Beatrice Akesse Owusu. Counselors—<strong>Patrick Adu Gyapong</strong>, 53, proprietor; wife, Monica Egyir. <strong>Emmanuel Codjoe</strong>, 51, proprietor; wife, Ruth Codjoe.</p>
<p><strong>BARRANQUILLA COLOMBIA HIPODROMO STAKE</strong> (November 25, 2018): President—<strong>Ivar Rafael Romero Ortega</strong>, 36, teacher; succeeding Justina A. Rodriguez Borja; wife, Yulissa Escalante Buelvas. Counselors—<strong>Mario Enrique Gutierrez Martinez</strong>, 36, systems coordinator, Altos de San Vicente Clinic; wife, Narciza del Carmen Paez Anaya. <strong>Alex de Jesús Molina Arrieta</strong>, 37, contractor; wife, Leidys Melissa Lombrano Mejia.</p>
<p><strong>CAICO BRAZIL STAKE</strong> (September 9, 2018): President—<strong>Alberto Rodrigues da Silva</strong>, 37, community health agent; succeeding Eduardo Terceiro de Azevedo; wife, Maria Sueneide Ferreira de Paiva Rodrigues. Counselors—<strong>Armando da Silva Filho</strong>, 39, merchandise manager; wife, Vaneza Araujo de Lima de Silva. <strong>Xulto Cezar Silva dos Santos</strong>, 27, account executive, CIA Sense; wife, Luana Oliveira Costa Silva.</p>
<p><strong>CHANDLER ARIZONA STAKE</strong> (September 9, 2018): President—<strong>Jeremy Paul Grohman</strong>, 46, vice president and producer, USI Insurance; succeeding Matthew B. Lewis; wife, Victoria Jensen Riggs Grohman. Counselors—<strong>Matthew Archibald Campbell</strong>, 52, manager, GPW and Associates; wife, Kerri Alice Boas Campbell. <strong>Jesse Eldon Rowley</strong>, 43, project manager, Peterson Geotechnical Group; wife, Barrie Patricia Bolen Rowley.</p>
<p><strong>CIUDAD OBREGON MEXICO STAKE</strong> (November 18, 2018): President—<strong>Sai Santana Sai</strong>, 29, fleet manager, Fertilizantes Tepeyac; succeeding Alfredo Lazaro Martinez; wife, Yazmina Tabardillo González. Counselors—<strong>Jesús Antonio Hernández Pérez</strong>, 41, manager, Omnibus de México; wife, Leticia Vázquez García. <strong>Roberto Castañeda Zazueta</strong>, 42, contractor; wife, Alma Lorenia Ramírez Valenzuela.</p>
<p><strong>EDINBURGH SCOTLAND STAKE</strong> (September 9, 2018): President—<strong>Stanley Llewellyn Wilford</strong>, 54, senior sales manager, IPG Photonics; succeeding Allan D. Freed; wife, Helen Marie Wilkinson Wilford. Counselors—<strong>Martin Colin Beaumont</strong>, 60, subject analysis cataloguer, BDS; wife, Jacqueline Enid Kelsey Beaumont. <strong>Daniel Garth Goodare</strong>, 44, general practitioner; wife, Ellie Grace McKeown Goodare.</p>
<p><strong>FEIRA DE SANTANA KALIANDIA STAKE</strong> (November 18, 2018): President—<strong>Luciano Araujo Brito</strong>, 40, accountant; succeeding Erivelto Conceicao Bastos; wife, Macilene Antonia Dias Conceição. Counselors—<strong>Fabio dos Reis Carneiro,</strong> 35, technical manager, CICHO Solutions; wife, Lorrane Teixeira Mendes. <strong>Marcio Santos de Carvalho</strong>, 38, professor; wife, Jucienny de Almeida Silva Carvalho.</p>
<p><strong>HARRISBURG PENNSYLVANIA STAKE</strong> (September 9, 2018): President—<strong>Rhett R. Hintze</strong>, 48, chief operating officer, Bravo Group; succeeding Steven H. Giles; wife, Melissa H. Hardy Hintze. Counselors—<strong>Jeffrey H. Coltrin</strong>, 52, chief financial officer, New Penn Motor Express; wife, Tamara Ann Perron Coltrin. <strong>Christian Anthony Johnson</strong>, 57, law school dean, Widener University; wife, Cori Lin Anderson Johnson.</p>
<p><strong>IDAHO FALLS AMMON WEST STAKE</strong> (December 2, 2018): President—<strong>Christian David Monson</strong>, 45, anesthesiologist; succeeding Kipp L. Manwaring; wife, Charise Andrus Monson. Counselors—<strong>James Robert Barnes</strong>, 48, sales and support manager, Brad Hall &amp; Associates; wife, Karen Green Barnes. <strong>Nathan Allen Hunsaker</strong>, 47, physical therapist; wife, Audra Kay Anderson Hunsaker.</p>
<p><strong>JUNDIAI BRAZIL STAKE</strong> (November 11, 2018): President—<strong>Paulo Sérgio Ribeiro</strong>, 49, partner, Halley Industria; succeeding Jose C. Pierina; wife, Ana Rogério Albuquerque de Andrade Ribeiro. Counselors—<strong>Thiago Rocha</strong>, 35, business analyst; wife, Arika Aparecida Echila Rocin. <strong>Roger Melo</strong>, 44, product engineer, Century Link; wife, Flavia Marchioli Bernardes de Melo.</p>
<p><strong>LAS VEGAS NEVADA ELKHORN SPRINGS STAKE</strong> (September 9, 2018): President—<strong>Matthew Paul Kelly</strong>, 48, regional manager, Align Technology; succeeding Mark E. Waite; wife, Samantha Marie Hatch Kelly. Counselors—<strong>John Alex Piet</strong>, 46, lawyer; wife, Gina Jamison Piet. <strong>Bryon Dale Richardson</strong>, 46, executive director, Leadership Academy of Nevada; wife, Amy Jo Whittaker Richardson.</p>
<p><strong>LETHBRIDGE ALBERTA STAKE</strong> (September 9, 2018): President—<strong>Michael Wayne Steed</strong>, 60, radiologist; succeeding Cameron D. MacLennan; wife, Valerie Anne Leidlaw Steed. Counselors—<strong>Samuel Kent Earl</strong>, 45, owner, Sign Superstore, Lethbridge Real Estate; wife, Jenna Anne Kozub Earl. <strong>Kevin Andrew Goth</strong>, 44, dentist; wife, Kara Lanae Jubber Goth.</p>
<p><strong>MEXICO CITY ALAMEDAS STAKE</strong> (November 18, 2018): President—<strong>Francisco Israel Regina Sánchez</strong>, 42, director of infrastructor, Grupo Hitec; succeeding Eduardo E. Centeno Gallegos; wife, Elena Trujillo Baltazar. Counselors—<strong>César Lima Escalante</strong>, 41, solutions manager for the Church; wife, Blanca Isela Aquilar Arias. <strong>Mario Cedillo Ordaz</strong>, 62, process manager, FAPRESA; wife, Angélica Mora Manzanarez.</p>
<p><strong>MEXICO CITY MELCHOR OCAMPO STAKE</strong> (November 25, 2018): President—<strong>Mariano Pineda Alvear</strong>, 45, project director, Edificaciones con Aceso; succeeding Homero Rojas Trejo; wife, Leticia Yerbafria Granjero. Counselors—<strong>Luis Alberto Duarte Lopez</strong>, 39, seminaries and institutes area director; wife, Lillo de Jesús Duarte Jemima. <strong>Juan Carlos Moreno Soriano</strong>, 34, planning coordinator, Liverpool; wife, Rocio Martinez Garcia.</p>
<p><strong>MEXICO CITY TENAYO STAKE</strong> (November 4, 2018): President—<strong>Ayax Raúl Bernal Sánchez</strong>, 46, self-employed; succeeding Daniel Manzo Peñuñuri; wife, Juana Vianet Meneses Munive. Counselors—<strong>Arold de los Santos Pérez</strong>, 36, operations consultant for the Church; wife, Matia Esther Rodriguez Bugatin. <strong>José Guadalupe Zamora González</strong>, 51, temple trip coordinator for the Church; wife, Ibañez Mireya Aguilar.</p>
<p><strong>MEXICO CITY TULTITLAN STAKE</strong> (November 18, 2018): President—<strong>Pedro Márquez Soto</strong>, 53, real estate project manager for the Church; succeeding Francisco I. Regino; wife, Julieta Martinez Hinojos. Counselors—<strong>Roberto Ernesto Lasa Chavarria</strong>, 51, therapist; wife, Elena León Melgarejo. <strong>Jaime Fernando Carbajal Coronado</strong>, 37, assistant builder for the Church; wife, Karla Frias Espinosa.</p>
<p><strong>MONTERREY MEXICO MODERNA STAKE</strong> (September 16, 2018): President—<strong>Edgar Abraham Gámez Ávalos</strong>, 44, business manager, Internacional de Inversiones; succeeding Dante A. Martinez Coss; wife, Lila Mónica Rentería González. Counselors—<strong>Alejandro Arriaga Medina Valentín</strong>, 42, service manager, NEORIS; wife, Carla Edith Vázquez González. <strong>Miguel Valeriano Olea</strong>, 34, operations manager, Diestel; wife, Esli Janeth Morales Villanueva.</p>
<p><strong>NORTH OGDEN UTAH EAST STAKE</strong> (November 18, 2018): President—<strong>Brian Christopher Morris</strong>, 42, senior estimator, HHI Corporation; succeeding D. Brad Reeves; wife, Amy Barie Hubbard Morris. Counselors—<strong>Robert Karl Stowers</strong>, 60, office manager, Mountain Alarm; wife, Susanne Marie Brown. <strong>Roger Curtis Smout</strong>, 51, outside sales rep, Industrial Bolt &amp; Supply; wife, Kristin Nichols Smout.</p>
<p><strong>NORTH SALT LAKE UTAH LEGACY STAKE</strong> (November 18, 2018): President—<strong>Damon Charles Glenn</strong>, 45, manager of investment, Etrade; succeeding Ronald B. Gordon; wife, Catherine Neddo Glenn. Counselors—<strong>Dean Lynn Howes</strong>, 66, commissioner, Major League Rugby; wife, Catherine Nelson Howes. <strong>Alfred Howard Tukuafu</strong>, 46, lead estimator, Jacobsen Construction; wife, Matila Maryann Lavulo Tukuafu.</p>
<p><strong>PAYSON UTAH WEST STAKE</strong> (September 9, 2018): President—<strong>Ben W Mangelson</strong>, 44, master lead, Deseret Meat; succeeding Edwin E. Ballard; wife, Camille Ann Killian Mangelson. Counselors—<strong>Justin Reed Jacklin</strong>, 46, senior program manager, Adobe; wife, Shelley Flinders Jacklin. <strong>Lynn Leroy Gerratt</strong>, 52, school administrator, Alpine School District; wife, Shalawn Frances Brown.</p>
<p><strong>PORT OF SPAIN TRINIDAD STAKE</strong> (August 26, 2018): President—<strong>Michael Andrew Rupa</strong>, 52, facilities manager for the Church; succeeding Emrol I. Gould; wife, Abigail Marsha Nalini Ramdeen Rupa. Counselors—<strong>Ashton Sunil Garcia</strong>, 41, accountant; wife, Colleen Jonne Garcia. <strong>Joseph Charles Edmund Warner</strong>, 59, Alicia Hazel Cooper Warner.</p>
<p><strong>ROSWELL GEORGIA STAKE</strong> (December 2, 2018) President—Reed Aaron Macdonald, 45, CEO, FDS Avionics; succeeding Verne M. Ernst; wife, Andrea Tanner Macdonald. Counselors—Nelson Daniel Zivic, 41, head of human resources, Newell Rubbermaid; wife, Lorena Renée Calabria Zivic. Daniel Ray Lister Jr., 45, executive vice president, SWM Inc.; wife, Melissa Lin Wagner Lister.</p>
<p><strong>ROY UTAH NORTH STAKE</strong> (September 9, 2018): President—<strong>Preston Cordale Lamb</strong>, 52, special agent in charge, U.S. Treasury Department; succeeding Alan E. Hall; wife, Stefane Farr Lamb. Counselors—<strong>Kevin Dale Merrill</strong>, 61, shipping associate, Mason Bee’s; wife, Debra Elaine Quent Merrill. <strong>Michael Alan Tesch</strong>, 49, account representative, West Pharma; wife, Marci Manes Tesch.</p>
<p><strong>SANTIAGO CHILE QUILICURA STAKE</strong> (June 10, 2018): President—<strong>Alejandro Andres Leiva Salas</strong>, 42, supervisor, Komatsu Cummins Chile; succeeding Jorge W. Perez; wife, Karina Elizabeth Astudillo Fredes. Counselors—<strong>David Ignacio Verdugo Ibañez</strong>, 37, operations supervisor, Bopp Chile S.A.; wife, Elizabeth Mariela Arriagada Garcia. <strong>Giovanni Esteban Lopez Santander</strong>, 43, management supervisor, Biturix S.A.; wife, Mariela Raquel Britez.</p>
<p><strong>SAO JOSE DOS PINHAIS BRAZIL STAKE</strong> (September 2, 2018): President—<strong>Enéas José Pereira Filho</strong>, 38, operations manager, Centro de Integração Empresa-Escola do Paraná; succeeding Luis Fernando Ogebowsky; wife, Liliana Sarti Luna Pereira. Counselors—<strong>Vando Augusto Diniz</strong>, 50, maintenance technician for the Church; wife, Carmen Sofia Mosko. <strong>Murilo Pinheiro Belletti</strong>, 33, coordinator; wife, Amanda do Nascimento Oliveira.</p>
<p><strong>TACLOBAN PHILIPPINES STAKE</strong> (November 18, 2018): President—<strong>Pedro Bimbo Basada Tan</strong>, 50, senior trade and industry development specialist, Department of Trade and Industry; succeeding Ricardo A. Aban; wife, Jenny Operario Ruba. Counselors—<strong>Jhumer Cajife Operio</strong>, 37, real estate broker; wife, Jean Lim-It Calipayan Operio. <strong>David Dagano Mendros</strong>, 40, sales clerk, EMCOR Inc.; wife, Analiza Baldecanas Dangco Mendros.</p>
<p><strong>TORREON MEXICO JARDIN STAKE</strong> (November 18, 2018): President—<strong>Angel Carlos Cepeda Santos</strong>, 47, key account manager, Schneider Electrical; succeeding Jose A. Jimenez Roldan; wife, Claudia Valles Herrera. Counselors—<strong>Gustavo Ademis Castillo Landeros</strong>, 41, academic affairs coordinator; wife, Mitzi Garcia Hernandez. <strong>Daniel Gómez Junco Santillán</strong>, 28, administrative manager, SEVAC; wife, Ada Ragó Abish Canaán de los Santos.</p>
<p><strong>VALENCIA VENEZUELA LOS SAUCES STAKE</strong> (November 18, 2018): President—<strong>Fernando de Jesús Vivas Calderón</strong>, 42, regional director, Church Educational System; succeeding Jorge E. Ferrer Perez; wife, Dariana del Carmen Briceño Zambrano de Vivas. Counselors—<strong>Rafel Antonio Sequera Castillo</strong>, 59, operations inspector, Naguanagua Waste Management; wife, Ana Elizabeth Sánches de Sequera. <strong>César Augusto Rodriquez Bonito</strong>, 53, independent contractor, FamilySearch; wife, Maria Nelly Sevilla Galea de Rodriguez.</p>
<p><strong>VALPARAISO CHILE STAKE</strong> (September 9, 2018): President—<strong>Miguel Alberto Honores Troncoso</strong>, 35, seminaries and institutes coordinator for the Church; succeeding Helgi Hukdhs Zerega; wife, Yannina Yoselin Loyola Silva. Counselors—<strong>Manuel Alvear Torres</strong>, 39, technician; wife, Andrea Paola Vega Opazo. <strong>David Alessandro Oyarce Olivares</strong>, 42, employee, army of Chile; wife, Gloria del Carmen Ibarra Villalón.</p>
<p><strong>ZAMORA MEXICO STAKE</strong> (September 2, 2018): President—<strong>Christian Adrián Gudiño Alatorre</strong>, 33, middle and high school teacher; succeeding David Montoya Torres; wife, Elizabeth Peña Castillo. Counselors—<strong>José Joaquín Higareda Naranjo</strong>, 55, teacher; wife, María de la Luz Espitia Martínez. <strong>José Antonio Cázares Gonaález</strong>, 43, welder; wife, Guadalupe Romo Olivo.</p>
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</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/new-stakes-and-stake-presidencies-announced-in-december-2018?lang=eng#286298909Thu, 10 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Down About the News? Be Optimistic and of Good Cheer, BYU–Idaho Addresses Encourage
https://www.lds.org/church/news/down-about-the-news-be-optimistic-and-of-good-cheer-byu-idaho-addresses-encourage?lang=eng
<p>“People are now freer than ever before,” he said.However, President Eyring said, “notwithstanding today's constant barrage of temptations and frightening news reports, on many dimensions our world is getting steadily and even speedily better.”He added: “As we strive to see the small but significant miracles and divine power given to us each day, our spiritual eyes will be opened to eternal realities, especially as we make a personal record of what we have been shown daily by the Holy Ghost. Almost immediately, our spiritual eyesight will grow sharper and our fears duller.”The officer had previously witnessed the radiation-poisoning deaths of more than 20 sailors that resulted from a coolant leak in a submarine’s nuclear reactor. Despite the bombardment threat to his men and likely military consequences, the fleet officer declined his approval.President Eyring said that based on news media reports and other messages received each day, one might naturally conclude that the world is becoming increasingly wicked and hostile.For example, when a family lost their home to Hurricane Michael in Florida, Kimberly Downs Norton said that due to so many trees being downed in her backyard, “We can see more of the stars at night now.”This attitude even appears in two lines of a Primary song, “<a href="https://www.lds.org/music/library/childrens-songbook/follow-the-prophet?lang=eng">Follow the Prophet</a>,” which he sang for the students: “Now we have a world where people are confused. If you don't believe it, go and watch the news.”Infant mortality has decreased by 93 percent. Life expectancy in the U.S. has increased by about 30 years. Eighty-five percent of the world’s population is literate. The homicide rate in the U.S. fell by 50 percent between 1990 and 2010. While authoritarianism and slavery persist today, humans are treating one another better. More than 50 percent of people today live in a democratic country.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/09/350-to-be-optimistic-dont-just-trust-the-news-president-henry-j-_6.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Students smile on their way to the BYU–Idaho Center to listen to President Henry J. Eyring and his wife, Sister Kelly C. Eyring, speak at BYU–Idaho’s first devotional of the semester on January 8, 2019. Photo by Michael Lewis, BYU–Idaho.</p>
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“Can you believe her gratitude amid her loss?” Sister Eyring asked.Because of her past experiences with new beginnings, new semesters, new roommates, and such, “I love the chance to start again,” she said.President Eyring’s wife, Sister Kelly C. Eyring, began the devotional by also speaking of optimism, sharing hope for the world and the beginning of a new semester.But, she added, “there will be some things you weren’t planning on learning and experiencing. So much will depend on how you decide to see those things.”“The Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ is a boon to all people, even those who are unaware of its existence,” President Eyring said. “The Church is legally recognized in more countries than ever, with more members and more temples. Its doctrines can be studied in 188 languages.”She testified that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ desire to give everyone new beginnings. “In fact,” she said, “it is the Savior’s mission to make sure that we can have hope and happiness through His Atonement. … We can be of good cheer and optimistic because we know the Savior has overcome the world for us.”Ironically, some of the advances in this day have become a double-edged sword. For instance, an electronic device can be a tool to access gospel resources and education, but it can also ensnare one with mindless gaming or pornography.President Eyring spoke of the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis and the 13-day standoff between the Soviet Union and the United States when Soviet submarines were discovered off the coast of Cuba. While the confrontation was defused, a related story went unreported for 40 years—that a Soviet fleet officer declined to give his approval to launch his sub’s nuclear torpedo during a bombardment.Latter-day Saints are blessed with an optimistic view of the world, President Henry J. Eyring told BYU–Idaho students in a campus devotional on Tuesday, January 8.The discovery of nuclear radiation is an advancement that also became means to wreak worldwide destruction.Among these social, medical, and technological strides is the growing strength of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.“Miracles are occurring, not only at the level of governments and scientific discoveries but also in individual daily lives,” he said.Now, as President Eyring sings along with “Follow the Prophet,” in his mind he’s made some small changes to those two lines about news: “Now we have a world where tempters would confuse. If you want to prosper, don’t just trust the news.”
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/09/350-to-be-optimistic-dont-just-trust-the-news-president-henry-j-_3.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Students gather in the BYU–Idaho Center to listen to President Henry J. Eyring and his wife, Sister Kelly C. Eyring, speak on optimism at the first devotional of the semester on January 8, 2019. Photo by Sarah Jones, BYU–Idaho.</p>
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<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/09/350-to-be-optimistic-dont-just-trust-the-news-president-henry-j-_2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Sister Kelly C. Eyring, wife of BYU–Idaho President Henry J. Eyring, speaks about having good cheer despite challenges during the first devotional of the semester on January 8, 2019. Photo by Cami Su, BYU–Idaho.</p>
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Even when the incident first came to light at a missile-crisis conference, the leading news covering the conference didn’t mention the account, President Eyring said. “As this episode demonstrates, the news that really matters can be hard to find in the media. But it is all around us. And it is encouraging.”</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/down-about-the-news-be-optimistic-and-of-good-cheer-byu-idaho-addresses-encourage?lang=eng#3622030851Thu, 10 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Spiritual Gifts, Divine Identity Remind Us of God’s Love, Says BYU President
https://www.lds.org/church/news/spiritual-gifts-divine-identity-remind-us-of-gods-love-says-byu-president?lang=eng
<p>“Each [of us] is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny,” he said, noting that it is likely a statement familiar to most members of the Church. “Yet I wonder if familiarity has caused us to overlook the depth, breadth, and power of the truths this identity statement contains.”“Our gifts are given to benefit others,” she noted. “As we look for opportunities to uplift and bless others, we will likely find new gifts and talents that were lying dormant, just waiting to be discovered through service.”Sister Worthen’s story encompassed the two main themes that she and her husband shared as they spoke to students on Tuesday, January 8, during the first devotional of the new semester.Prophets and apostles have provided such an answer, he said, quoting a statement from “<a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation?lang=eng&amp;old=true">The Family: A Proclamation to the World</a>.”
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/09/352-byu-president-shares-how-spiritual-gifts-and-divine-identity_4.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> BYU President Kevin J Worthen speaks during the first devotional of BYU’s winter 2019 semester in the Marriott Center, January 8, 2019. Photo by Jaren Wilkey, BYU Photo.</p>
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<li dir="ltr">“We need to recognize and remember that we are not alone in our struggles.”</li><li dir="ltr">“We need to be more patient with the process. We need to worry less about the speed at which we are moving and more about the direction.”</li><li dir="ltr">“When we are feeling overwhelmed in our quest for perfection, we need to return to the first truth in the identity sentence of the family proclamation. We are beloved sons and daughters of Heavenly Parents. God loves us.”</li>As President Worthen pointed out, “beloved” and “destiny” are two key words in the statement that hold great importance for the true identities of every living person. With the first, <em>beloved,</em> President Worthen said it is important to recognize that God loves each person more than they can possibly comprehend. God’s love is perfect and goes far beyond the love that living persons understand and experience in this life. It is therefore a disservice to God to equate His love with a mortal understanding of love, he said.Recognition of the true meaning of such a profound statement can help shape a person’s life for the better, he explained. “Understanding that we are children of Heavenly Parents—sharing Their divine nature and possessing the potential to be like Them—can bring great power into our lives.”When her grandmother, Sister Worthen, inquired of Ainsley as to why she was praying for that particular gift, Ainsley admitted that she was having a problem with telling the truth and that her father advised her to pray for help to overcome her challenges.With the second, <em>destiny</em>, he explained that every living person has the power, the divine destiny, to become like their Heavenly Parents and that an understanding of such a destiny can transform and empower each person throughout their lives. In concluding his address, President Worthen suggested three things people can do to “retain, or regain, the eternal perspective that changes the knowledge of our potential from a burden into a blessing.”As children of loving Heavenly Parents, each person can pray to their Father in Heaven and ask for help. President and Sister Worthen reminded students as they begin a new semester that they can ask for help to know they are loved, ask for help to know who they are, and earnestly ask for help to grow in a way that will help them realize their individual divine destinies. And, much like He helped a small 6-year-old girl to improve in being more honest, God will help each of His children as they earnestly seek out His help and guidance.Each person will be given and will discover different gifts with which God has prepared and blessed them, she noted. As such, it is important not to compare one’s gifts with those that others might possess. To so do is a disservice to one’s self as well as to God and His blessings.Another key part of discovering or gaining spiritual gifts is the requirement to share them with others.Gathering with family for the Christmas holiday, the granddaughter of Brigham Young University President Kevin J Worthen and Sister Peggy S. Worthen, 6-year-old Ainsley, was always willing to say a prayer to bless the food. But each time she prayed, she included a simple phrase, “Please bless me with the gift of honesty.”
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/09/350-byu-president-shares-how-spiritual-gifts-and-divine-identity_1.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Sister Peggy Worthen speaks during the first devotional of BYU’s winter 2019 semester in the Marriott Center, January 8, 2019. Photo by Jaren Wilkey, BYU Photo.</p>
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Students gather in the Marriott Center on the Provo, Utah, campus to listen as BYU President Kevin J Worthen and his wife, Sister Peggy Worthen, give the first devotional of BYU's winter 2019 semester, on January 8, 2019.<br/>
Photo by Jaren Wilkey, BYU Photo.The answer to such a question can vary from time to time and place to place depending on who asks and a person’s circumstances when it is asked, he said. “But what if you had to fully identify yourself in a single sentence? Could you, in one sentence, describe yourself in a way that would be accurate in whatever circumstances and whatever stage of life you might find yourself?”While some gifts may be more evident than others, all spiritual gifts are real and valuable, she said.Suggesting some of the ways people can seek to find and develop their talents, Sister Worthen said it is important to pray and ask God for help in discovering and developing their individual spiritual gifts.“She excitedly told me that since she has been praying for the gift of honesty, she is doing much better at telling the truth,” Sister Worthen told BYU students gathered in the Marriott Center. “Not only is she gaining the gift of honesty through her earnest plea for help, she is gaining the gift of faith in knowing that her prayers will be answered as she puts her trust in Heavenly Father.”<b>Divine identity</b>Sister Worthen challenged the audience to “seek to discover and develop previously undiscovered gifts [they] may possess.”“Do you know who you are?” President Worthen inquired as he began his address. “This question may be more complicated than it at first appears.”<b>Spiritual gifts</b>“Earnestly seeking to know what gifts we need by asking God will often help us discover and develop previously unknown gifts that God is willing to bless us with,” she said.Whether they are obvious or not, “we have all been given gifts and talents,” Sister Worthen said. Such gifts are meant to bless the lives of each person as well as those around them, but in order to do so, they need to be discovered and developed.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/spiritual-gifts-divine-identity-remind-us-of-gods-love-says-byu-president?lang=eng#3420684208Thu, 10 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
“I Was Blind, Now I See”: Church Relief Work Changes Lives in South America
https://www.lds.org/church/news/i-was-blind-now-i-see-church-relief-work-changes-lives-in-south-america?lang=eng
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<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/03/350-church-relief-work-changes-lives-rel_53-2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Blind individuals line up for a new cane at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Las Brisas Ward in Lima, Peru, on Friday, October 19, 2018. LDS Charities donated 1,150 canes and 1,150 braille readers. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.</p>
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Scores of babies died preventable deaths in Peru at the dawn of the 21st century. That’s when a young doctor in Lima signed up for neonatal resuscitation training provided by LDS Charities.<strong>Steep climbs</strong>“You need precise instruments,” Penniecook said. “A surgeon has to take things four microns thick and move them 1 millimeter without having things break up. That requires very precise movements. The equipment must be very precise, and it’s very expensive.”For example, 95 percent of the wheelchairs distributed in Peru by the Institute of National Rehabilitation come from LDS Charities, including one given to Jorge Luis Robles, 50, soon before President Nelson’s visit last October. Robles, a grains analyst, suffered a hemorrhagic stroke while working on his green pepper farm three months ago.<strong>Partners in aid</strong>
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/03/350-church-relief-work-changes-lives-rel_54-2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Maite Montalbo listens to her teacher at Heart of Jesus preschool in Lima, Peru, on Friday, October 19, 2018. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.</p>
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Thousands of those the Church has reached there have been through Fundación Visión, which the Church began to support in 2007 with a donation of $250,000. The charity’s fundraising chief will never forget it.“This training has filled a gap here,” Paredes said. “It’s a seed that will continue to grow.”“We couldn’t have done it without the Church’s help because there isn’t enough money here,” said Jenny Velasquez, the head teacher. “The families could not have funded it themselves.”“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been working for years in Peru helping people who are disabled,” Julio Guzman added.ASUNCIÓN, PARAGUAY “Without them, we cannot perform this surgery,” he said.Through a state-of-the-art microscope provided by the Church, a surgeon gazed steadily at a cloudy cataract threatening an impoverished woman’s eyesight in October during President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/russell-m-nelson?lang=eng">Russell M. Nelson</a>’s visit to Paraguay.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/03/350-church-relief-work-changes-lives-rel_71.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Elder Floyd Rose helps Dr. Urcia Fernando unload a Church- donated wheelchair at the Institute of National Rehabilitation in Lima, Peru, on Friday, October 19, 2018. LDS Charities has donated 6,200 wheelchairs. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.</p>
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<strong>Dying newborns</strong>That focus on education centered on a tiny plot at the top of 155 stairs carved into a hillside in a tiny spot in an impoverished section of Lima as President Nelson visited. There, little children danced, sang the national anthem, and shouted, “Viva Peru!” during an emotional ceremony at their preschool built with materials provided by the Church.The Church’s true primary welfare focus in Peru is on education for children ages 3 to 8, said Principe, the area welfare specialist.“If we didn’t have the Church’s help, thousands of people would be without wheelchairs every year,” said Oscar Corbo, the foundation’s wheelchair coordinator.Just a few months earlier, their parents and teachers condemned their ramshackle building. The Heart of Jesus Preschool was closed for good, they thought, a harsh end for neighborhood children ages 3 to 5. But those children and their parents soon had reason for the celebration in and around three small, prefabricated buildings provided by the Church that allowed the school to reopen.“I’m very emotional,” said a local shop owner, Hilda Pacheco. “We’re grateful for the help you’re giving our children. Thank you very much.”The principle behind the Church’s aid in South America and around the world is a divine appointment to care for the poor and needy, said Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/gary-e-stevenson?lang=eng">Gary E. Stevenson</a> of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.In 2016, the Church added new training to help mothers survive childbirth, focused especially on hemorrhaging. The more women are educated about childbirth in Peru, the lower their mortality rate in childbirth. Teenage mothers are at the highest risk, Paredes said. Maternal deaths have fallen almost by half.As he cauterized the incisions, wisps of smoke rose above the woman’s face. To the surgeon’s right, another doctor began the same procedure on an older man. He peered through a second Zeiss microscope, one of several “machines provided by the Mormons,” Jorge Medina, a registered nurse, said in Spanish.Fundación Visión’s partnership with the Church has allowed it to become the leading eye-surgery provider in Paraguay while helping thousands who financially cannot afford other options. People begin to arrive between 4 and 5 a.m. on most mornings. The clinic sees between 300 and 400 people a day. The facility performs between half to 75 percent of all corneal transplants in Paraguay each year, Penniecook said, about half of all cataract surgeries, and a significant percentage of retinal procedures. In all, its doctors perform 6,500 eye surgeries in a year.And absolutely necessary for a group intent on performing demanding surgeries on the transparent structure of the eye lens, said Jason Penniecook, an ophthalmologist and the foundation’s academic coordinator.Outside, the building’s cornerstone bore an inscription: “I was blind, now I see.”
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/03/350-church-relief-work-changes-lives-rel_47-2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Helping Hands volunteers carry supplies to Heart of Jesus preschool in Lima, Peru, on Friday, October 19, 2018. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.</p>
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<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/03/350-church-relief-work-changes-lives-rel_46-2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Students at Heart of Jesus preschool sing the Peruvian National Anthem during a program in Lima, Peru, on Friday, October 19, 2018. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.</p>
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Partners like Paredes and Fundación Visión are required in the Church’s humanitarian work. LDS Charities seeks organizations or individuals who can act as partners on every project, said Alexander Principe, welfare specialist for the South America Northwest Area.In Paraguay, LDS Charities has helped 167,781 people with a broad range of services since 1985, again far outstripping the number of members it has in the country, which was 93,773 as of March 31.Cataracts are the main cause of blindness. With the right equipment, removing them and replacing them with an artificial lens is a simple outpatient procedure that lasts 15 to 45 minutes.Asked later about the gratitude of South Americans for the Church’s aid, President Nelson redirected the credit.“There’s no room for error,” President Nelson, himself a retired, world-renowned heart surgeon, said when told about the procedure. “The doctor must be very precise.” Students perform during a program at Heart of Jesus preschool in Lima, Peru, on Friday, October 19, 2018. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.Others were somewhere on a journey from that exam to the quiet operating room upstairs and the microscope provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that plays a vital role in about half of all cataract surgeries in this nation of 6.9 million people.The Church’s efforts go well beyond vision, neonatal and maternal care, and wheelchairs. For example, the day before President Nelson arrived in Lima, Peru, Church humanitarian missionaries presented 1,150 canes and 1,150 braille readers from LDS Charities to the National Federation of Disabled People. The foundation’s president, who is blind, said he was “profoundly grateful.”For a country with a desperate need for eye surgeries, the need included Zeiss microscopes, a machine to sterilize the surgical equipment, and other items necessary for specialized exams.“If you want to be a healthcare provider, the barrier you have to cross that helps you help people is expensive equipment.”In Paraguay, LDS Charities has provided 5,800 wheelchairs since 2013 through an eight-year-old partnership with Fundación Solidaridad. The foundation distributes about two-thirds of all the wheelchairs in Paraguay. Students sit at a donated table at Heart of Jesus preschool in Lima, Peru on Friday, October 19, 2018. LDS Charities donated three prefab classrooms, tables and chairs, and other school supplies. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.Cautiously, Dr. Miguel Scalamogna began to make skillful, tiny, meticulous incisions in her eye. One floor below a loud throng of Paraguayans filled the lobby and hallway of Fundación Visión, one of the Church’s charitable partners. Many of the people were working their way through the process of applying for a $7 eye exam they could not afford. Housing lines the hillside in Lima, Peru, on Friday, October 19, 2018. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/03/350-church-relief-work-changes-lives-rel_40-2.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Maite Montaluo performs during a program at Heart of Jesus preschool in Lima, Peru, on Friday, October 19, 2018. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.</p>
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Tania Paredes was bright, professional, and conscientious. It hurt to watch 18 of every 1,000 children die at or near birth. The training lit a spark in her.“It includes everyone, all of [Heavenly Father’s] children,” he said. “So we have a very sophisticated organization to do that. There are humanitarian platforms that are very important. … We do great good, and the humanitarian offerings made by the members of the Church around the world are directed in a very important way, a very organized way to see that we are indeed caring for the poor and needy around the world.”“It was the biggest check I’ve ever had in my purse,” Helmine Funk said.“Let’s give the credit where it belongs,” he said. “When there’s a cyclone, a hurricane, or an earthquake … what do the Saints do? They put money into the humanitarian fund. We never appeal for it. As the need goes up, the voluntary contributions follow the same curve, without our even asking. So the credit goes to the people, the members of the Church who just feel this confidence that if they donate to the humanitarian fund, it will be sent right where it needs to go.”Since 2000, Paredes has worked tirelessly to help her country’s infant mortality rate improve from 18 per 1,000 to 10 per 1,000 last year. In Lima, the rate is down to eight per 1,000. She said the neonatal training that has saved thousands of babies would not exist in Peru without LDS Charities and the Church, which has trained 100 doctors a year since 2006 and which leaves behind the equipment it brings to each session. Doctors and nurses use the equipment to pass on their training to others, another 500 doctors since 2000.The impact of <a href="https://www.ldscharities.org/">LDS Charities</a> on millions of lives beyond the Church itself is evident in some of the South American countries that President Nelson visited in October. For example, the Church’s humanitarian arm has helped 4.6 million people in Peru since 1985, according to statistics provided by the Church, which now has 593,854 members in the country.Scalamogna broke up the woman’s cloudy lens, painstakingly removed the pieces from her eye, and placed an artificial lens in its place behind her iris and pupil.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/03/350-church-relief-work-changes-lives-rel_55.jpg" alt="" style="width: 350px; height: 400px;" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="width: 350px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Students at Heart of Jesus preschool sing a song in Lima, Peru, on Friday, October 19, 2018. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.</p>
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Some of the parents carried the prefabricated wooden walls up all those stairs themselves. The buildings, with corrugated roofs, allowed the school to double in size from 20 to 40. The relative scale of the project was small, but the impact in an economically challenged area was large. The children celebrated by singing, “If you have the faith of a mustard seed.”</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/i-was-blind-now-i-see-church-relief-work-changes-lives-in-south-america?lang=eng#2825535458Thu, 10 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Church-Built Well Providing Life-Sustaining Water to Residents of Thirsty Peruvian Town
https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-built-well-providing-life-sustaining-water-to-residents-of-thirsty-peruvian-town?lang=eng
<p>In countries across the Americas, Africa, Europe, and Asia, the Church helps provide clean water to people in need by building water and sanitation systems, teaching communities hygiene and system maintenance, and doing all they can to help people meet their own long-term water needs.Providing clean water, of course, is one of the <a href="https://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/humanitarian-services/funds/clean-water">Church’s key humanitarian initiatives</a>.San Cristo Mayor Augusto Quiroga Cherre, local civic leaders Sebastian Espinoza and Hipolito Collazoa Anton, and regional Church public affairs representative Patricia Caceres de Bustamante also participated in the dedication ceremony for the new well.Water—it’s as fundamental to sustaining human life as your next breath. The world’s most prevalent yet precious liquid also provides dignity and self-reliance while remaining the key ingredient for a community’s development, growth, and potential.The desperately needed San Cristo well “will provide a defense against anemia and malnutrition—a scourge that mainly attacks children,” said Piura Regional Governor Reynaldo Hilbck Guzman. “Mothers will have more alternatives, together with the [government] authorities, to deal with malnutrition.”Studies determined the feasibility of the Church-sponsored well project. Good quality water was found at 135 meters below the earth’s surface, with a flow of 42 liters per second, Newsroom reported.The San Cristo well project is the latest chapter in the Church’s long-established commitment to humanitarian service in Peru, a South American nation that is home to almost 600,000 Latter-day Saints.During his October tour of several South American countries, <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-nelson-meets-president-of-peru-addresses-members-in-their-native-language?lang=eng">President Russell M. Nelson met with Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra</a> at the Government Palace in Lima. They were joined by Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/gary-e-stevenson?lang=eng">Gary E. Stevenson</a> of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The men discussed the Church’s humanitarian response efforts in Peru, along with the charge that local members have to be good citizens and serve their respective communities.The Church’s ongoing commitment to helping deliver clean water to people in need was on full display recently in the town of San Cristo in northern Peru.Last month, local civic and Church leaders gathered to <a href="https://www.noticiasmormonas.org.pe/articulo/piura-iglesia-dona-pozos-de-agua-subterranea">dedicate San Cristo’s newest community water source</a>. The lives of thousands of people will improve because they have access to clean water, Newsroom in Peru reported.Meanwhile, more than 3,000 members volunteered about 12,000 service hours to prepare 55,700 emergency relief kits. From left, Elder Gary E. Stevenson and President Russell M. Nelson meet with Peruvian president Martin Vizcarro on October 20, 2018, in Lima. The men discussed the Church’s ongoing humanitarian service in Peru. Photo courtesy of the South America Northwest Area.It is perhaps ironic that the San Cristo well project comes about a year after Peru endured a brutal flood season that claimed scores of lives and left hundreds of thousands homeless. Local Church welfare leaders worked closely with Peruvian government officials to deliver flood relief provisions where they were most desperately needed. More than 380 tons of Church-donated relief supplies benefited 103,000 flood victims.When local wells that provide drinkable water to much of San Cristo’s population began to produce brackish water, the Church’s Welfare Department stepped forward and donated a new well.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-built-well-providing-life-sustaining-water-to-residents-of-thirsty-peruvian-town?lang=eng#2965744084Thu, 10 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
How Can We Help Our Youth Teach in the Savior’s Way?
https://www.lds.org/church/news/how-can-we-help-our-youth-teach-in-the-saviors-way?lang=eng
<p>The primary responsibility to train a youth to teach in the Savior’s way rests with parents. In addition, however (or where there are no parents to do so), Aaronic Priesthood and Young Women advisers and youth Sunday School teachers can and should assist. This would normally require them to spend some time with a youth well before a lesson is given. For these purposes, <em>Teaching in the Savior’s Way</em> (in <a href="https://store.lds.org/usa/en/teaching-in-the-saviors-way">print</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/manual/teaching-in-the-saviors-way?lang=eng">online</a>, and in the <a href="https://www.lds.org/pages/mobileapps/gospellibrary?lang=eng">Gospel Library app</a>) is a valuable resource.<b>Extend inspired invitations to apply the doctrine</b>Teachers can help youth organize their thoughts and feelings into a simple teaching plan. Filipino youth interact during a Sunday School class.<b>Bear testimony to support the</b> <b>doctrine</b>The Savior was much more than a facilitator of gospel discussion. He used all the teaching skills and resources previously discussed. Likewise, we should be an instrument through whom the Holy Ghost can use varied teaching skills to teach doctrinal truths.<b>The scriptures are the ultimate source of doctrine</b><b>Preparing a plan to teach doctrine</b><b>Why is it important for youth to teach in the Savior’s way?</b><b>Who should train youth to teach?</b>Once the doctrine has been taught in its purity, a teacher has an opportune time to extend an inspired invitation to apply the doctrine. These invitations can be a spiritual catalyst to motivate us. The Savior, after teaching doctrine, often extended inspired invitations, such as “Come and follow me” (<a href="/scriptures/nt/matt/19.21?lang=eng#20" target="_blank">Matthew 19:21</a>) or “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (<a href="/scriptures/nt/matt/5.48?lang=eng#47" target="_blank">Matthew 5:48</a>). We can encourage and train our youth to follow this pattern of the Savior.These teaching experiences for youth should be determined based on age, spiritual maturity, and experience. For example, a young and inexperienced youth might be given the opportunity to teach a brief portion of a lesson. An older, more experienced youth might teach a somewhat longer portion and, on occasion, an entire lesson. While a conscientious effort should be made to stretch our youth to new heights of teaching, care should be taken that no one is embarrassed or overwhelmed in the process. Teaching for our youth should always be a rewarding experience.The Holy Ghost can best confirm the truth of doctrine when it is taught with clarity and conciseness. We need to help our youth develop the gift to teach simply, clearly, and powerfully as the Savior did. Simply being an active youth in the Church does not automatically make one a good teacher. It also requires observation, experience, practice, study, and prayer.Speaking of our youth during a <a href="https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/training/teaching-in-the-saviors-way-2016?lang=eng">worldwide training broadcast</a> on November 5, 2016, Elder <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/jeffrey-r-holland?lang=eng">Jeffrey R. Holland</a> of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles observed, “We underestimate their ability and overestimate their experience.”<b>How often should youth teach?</b> A group of young men participate in a Sunday priesthood class in Ghana.The ultimate goal of teaching is to teach the doctrine by the Spirit in such a way that it builds faith in Heavenly Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and His Atonement. Thus, an inspired question is one that helps accomplish this purpose.Alma stepped down as chief judge so he could reclaim his people by “preach[ing] the word of God unto them” and “bearing down in pure testimony” (<a href="/scriptures/bofm/alma/4.19?lang=eng#18" target="_blank">Alma 4:19</a>). As Alma went from city to city doing just that, he learned that “the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else” (<a href="/scriptures/bofm/alma/31.5?lang=eng#4" target="_blank">Alma 31:5</a>). Young woman helps teach a youth class in Ayacucho, Peru. Photo by Jason Swensen, Deseret News. Youth attend a Sunday School class in New Zealand.In addition, spiritual power is related to our love for those we teach, our worthiness, our humility, the intensity of our prayers, and the degree to which we prepare. Speaking during a BYU devotional in 1990, President Eyring said he once asked President Harold B. Lee, “How do you get revelation?” President Lee responded, “If you want to get revelation, do your homework.”<b>Use varied teaching methods to teach the doctrine</b>Resources like this, when properly used to support doctrine, add a spiritual creativity and richness to the lesson that enhance the ultimate goal of building faith. We can help our youth use resources—both those that are a result of their own inspiration and those in the inspired Church curriculum.One of the ways we show love for those we teach is to listen to them. When youth teachers ask sincere follow-up questions, it is an evidence that they love and care more about the person giving the answer than their own personal need to hurry to the next point in their lesson.
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/04/350-how-can-we-help-our-youth-teach-in-the-saviors-way_7.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> Emily Kezerian glances at her scriptures during a lesson on the plan of salvation. Photo by Whitney Evans, Deseret News.</p>
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A youth might evaluate the quality of his or her questions by asking, “Does it build faith as manifested by the above consequences, and if not, how can I refine and improve it?”Sometimes we invite teachers, including youth, to ask inspired questions but fail to train them how to do so.The Savior was the Master Teacher. Not only did He teach the doctrine by quoting scriptures and asking inspired questions, but He also used a multitude of resources to enrich the doctrine and make it more appealing and personal to His listeners.Questions that begin with “when” and “where” may be stepping-stones to building faith, but in and of themselves, they often fail to accomplish the desired goal. For example, “When did Joseph Smith receive the First Vision?” or “Where is the Sacred Grove?” are questions that are unlikely to build faith.In addition to individual training, youth might be invited on occasion to attend a <a href="https://www.lds.org/manual/teaching-in-the-saviors-way/teacher-council-meetings?lang=eng">teacher council meeting</a> that focuses on how youth can teach in the Savior’s way. Parents and formally called teachers can also highlight Christlike teaching principles as they or the youth teach so as to impress these principles on the minds of the youth who are present. For example, if a youth teacher uses a picture effectively that results in a successful doctrinal discussion, the teacher might comment: “Did everyone notice how the effective use of that visual helped us gain some doctrinal insights we might otherwise have missed?”
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In truth, everyone in the Church is a teacher—not just formally called teachers. Missionaries are teachers, parents are teachers, and every Church leader is a teacher. In preparation for these experiences, youth can and should learn to teach in the Savior’s way. Doing so will help them strengthen their own testimonies as they learn to understand and then articulate doctrinal principles with clarity. In addition, it will accelerate and sharpen the skills they need to become inspired missionaries, parents, called teachers, and leaders. One effective way to help our youth in this pursuit is to train them how to teach and then give them opportunities to do so.With the new <a href="https://www.lds.org/manual/come-follow-me?lang=eng">Come, Follow Me</a> curriculum being introduced in 2019, Latter-day Saints are focusing on teaching and learning at home and at church. Consistent with this emphasis, we desire to help our youth teach more like the Savior.This can be done by powerful discourse and instruction, giving helpful background information, using resources and teaching aids, engaging in discussion, and extending inspired invitations. All of these are teaching methods utilized by the Savior. We can help our youth strike the inspired balance among these teaching methods that best utilizes their personal talents and best promotes faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.Once a youth has taught, leaders have an opportunity to offer generous praise. President Spencer W. Kimball was once asked by a mission president how to motivate his missionaries. He responded, “Lavish them with honest praise.”Once a lesson is completed, it is an appropriate time to discuss with the youth one or more ways they might improve their teaching skills. This might be done by asking the question, “What do you think you could have done better?” or by discussing the subject in some other sensitive way that does not embarrass or discourage the youth. This evaluation should be a constructive and positive experience.One mission president and his wife made it a habit to teach lessons with the missionaries. As they did, it became apparent that many fine young men and women who had a knowledge of the gospel and a testimony of its truthfulness had not yet developed the gift of teaching the gospel in a clear and concise manner.If youth understand the inherent power of doctrine to transform lives, they will realize that all scriptures, all questions, all discussions, and all supplemental resources (such as pictures, music, videos, analogies, and the like) used in teaching need to focus upon and support the doctrine and its application in the lives of those they teach.<b>Positive feedback and constructive suggestions</b>A gospel discussion is successful when it increases faith, leads to a greater understanding of the doctrine being taught, and inspires the participants to live the gospel more fully. Discussion can be a great help in accomplishing these goals, but it is a means, not an end.In many cases, we have noticed that youth are given the opportunity to teach but without any prior training. To learn to teach more like the Savior, a youth needs both opportunity and training.At the heart and core of the Savior’s teaching was doctrine. Accordingly, we can give our youth a vision of the power of doctrine when taught with love and by the Spirit—how it can transform and change lives—so youth will make it the focus of their teaching experience. Alma explained that just as a seed has the inherent power to grow physically when properly nourished, so too the word of God has the inherent power to grow spiritually in the recipient’s heart when properly nourished (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/32?lang=eng" target="_blank">Alma 32</a>).A piano player who strikes only one note is far less effective than the one who plays symphonies and rhapsodies drawn from many keys stretched across the keyboard. Nonetheless, some youth and adults have the misconception that a lesson is successful solely because it is all discussion—robust and participatory as it may be. Many robust and participatory discussions occur in business and secular settings and have nothing to do with building faith.We can train our youth to listen carefully to each answer and then thoughtfully reflect if a follow-up question might invite an even greater insight into the doctrine being taught or the sharing of a spiritual experience or bearing of testimony. (See diagram below.)One case exemplified the problem. Two missionaries were teaching about the Apostasy and Restoration. The missionaries made a point, followed up by one random thought after another. There was no logical sequence, no building of one point upon another. One could see the learner’s eyes glazed over. He just couldn’t follow where the missionaries were going. As a result, an opportunity to teach the gospel with purity and power was lost.Youth should not teach so often as to displace the formally called teacher as the principal teacher—one who should teach doctrine, bear testimony, share personal experiences, and be a consistent teaching model for the youth to follow. But the youth should teach frequently enough in Sunday School, Aaronic Priesthood, and Young Women to develop skills and attributes that will enable them to teach in the Savior’s way. This allocation of teaching time is a delicate balance to be decided by ward and youth leaders as guided by the Spirit.The following are suggestions to help us train our youth so they can gain experience that will help them teach more like the Savior.<b>The power of doctrine when taught with love and by the Spirit</b><b>Invitation to all parents, youth</b> <b>leaders, and teachers</b>The Lord has taught us that the doctrine is to be taught “by the power of my Spirit” (<a href="/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/43.15?lang=eng#14" target="_blank">Doctrine and Covenants 43:15</a>). But how does one get the Spirit to teach? President <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/henry-b-eyring?lang=eng">Henry B. Eyring</a> gave this promise during a CES satellite training broadcast on August 10, 2003: “If you teach doctrinal principles, the Holy Ghost will come.”Many youth also struggle with asking follow-up questions. For example, a youth may respond to a question by saying she had a spiritual experience while reading the Book of Mormon. An untrained youth teacher might respond, “That’s wonderful,” and then go on with the teaching outline. If that happens, the teacher will have missed a golden opportunity to follow up with another question such as, “Would you feel comfortable in sharing that experience with us?” (See <a href="/scriptures/nt/matt/16.13-17?lang=eng#12" target="_blank">Matthew 16:13–17</a>.)He referred to imagery people could visualize, such as the lilies of the field or a fig tree. He told stories such as the parable of the good Samaritan and the prodigal son. And He used object lessons such as a Roman coin to teach a doctrinal truth. None of these were stand-alone objects or stories or activities. Each had a specific purpose—to support a doctrinal principle and encourage the living of it.On the other hand, questions that begin with “why,” “what,” and “how” are usually more effective in this regard. For example, “Why did Joseph Smith enter the Sacred Grove?” or “What truths did he learn there?” or “How do those truths affect my life?” usually promote more faith-filled responses. As youth ask inspired questions, inspired discussions will usually follow.A recent inquiry of some converts confirms this conclusion. One said, “When I heard the doctrine of the premortal existence for the first time, I just knew it was right.” Another said, “The plan of salvation was so beautiful and appealing to me that I readily embraced it.” These impressions are in accord with the observation of Alma that the word of God is “delicious” to the taste (<a href="/scriptures/bofm/alma/32.28?lang=eng#27" target="_blank">Alma 32:28</a>).<b>Using resources to support the</b> <b>doctrine</b><b>To teach like the Savior requires more than knowledge and a</b> <b>testimony</b>Many teachers, particularly youth, struggle to know how to prepare an inspired teaching plan that incorporates and utilizes the above skills and resources.Where, then, does one find the true doctrine to teach? The foundational source is the scriptures—the words of both ancient and modern prophets. The Savior explained that “the scriptures shall be given, even as they are in mine own bosom” (<a href="/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/35.20?lang=eng#19" target="_blank">Doctrine and Covenants 35:20</a>). In other words, the scriptures are the purest source of doctrine we have—they come directly from the Lord. We can teach our youth that the scriptures are the original and pure source of doctrine. They are a teacher’s primary resource. Graphic by Aaron Thorup, Deseret News.As we help our youth teach doctrine in the Savior’s way, we will strengthen their testimonies and enhance their spiritual skills as missionaries, parents, called teachers, and leaders. We will make a substantial, enduring contribution to their lives. We invite all parents, as well as leaders and teachers of youth, to prayerfully and diligently consider how they might help each child or youth within their stewardship teach more like the Savior.As youth prepare a plan (see sample to the right), they should keep in mind that they may not have time to use all these references and resources. Rather, they should see these as tools in a toolbox to be drawn upon as the Spirit directs. The more tools youth have in their toolbox, the greater flexibility the Spirit has to inspire them to use those tools best suited to meet the needs of class members. One way for youth to demonstrate love for those they teach is to take the time and effort to prepare an inspired teaching plan intended to best meet the needs of class members.All sincere testimony is important, but President Joseph F. Smith gave this counsel to help us maximize the power of our testimonies: “The [teacher] is sent into the [classroom] to preach the gospel … expounding the truths embodied in the first principles of the gospel; then if he bears his testimony under divine inspiration such a testimony is a seal attesting to the genuineness of the truths he has declared.” Then he added this caution: “But the voicing of one’s testimony, however eloquently phrased or beautifully expressed is no fit or acceptable substitution for the needed discourse of instruction” (<em>Gospel Doctrine,</em> 258). In other words, testimony, in and of itself, is not a replacement for doctrine. Rather, the testimony of a youth teacher is most effective when it seals and confirms the doctrine that has been taught.<b>How can youth ask inspired questions that support the doctrine?</b>Youth will receive revelation and the Spirit to teach as they do their “homework”—discovering the needs of those in their class, pondering the doctrine to be taught, sincerely asking for the Lord’s help, and taking the time to organize a teaching plan. When youth teach the doctrine with love and by the Spirit, they teach with power and authority of God.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/how-can-we-help-our-youth-teach-in-the-saviors-way?lang=eng#1106660130Thu, 10 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
LDSBC Devotional Focuses on Becoming “Whole-Soul” Latter-day Saints
https://www.lds.org/church/news/ldsbc-devotional-focuses-on-becoming-whole-soul-latter-day-saints?lang=eng
<p>In their first devotional of 2019, President Kusch and his wife, Sister Alynda Kusch, spoke on the condition of hearts and souls.Each week we are invited to partake of the sacrament, which represents the Savior’s power and redemption, President Kusch explained.This transition entails paying a price to God and cultivating a greater willingness to serve Him in a more personal, individual way. It’s important to offer a “broken heart and contrite spirit,” President Kusch said, and to do all that is possible to align one’s will with God’s.The final step, President Kusch said, is to become a “whole soul” of Christ.“If we look to Nephi as an example of what we can do, you will remember that he was first willing to follow his … father and keep the commandments of the Lord. We can do that. Nephi had a great desire to know and to believe. We can do that. With faith and humility he prayed to know. We can do that. As a result, he received divine guidance and it was the Lord that softened Nephi’s heart.” With a backdrop showing a sister missionary’s worn-out shoe, LDS Business College President Bruce C. Kusch speaks during a devotional in the Conference Center Theater on January 8, 2019. Photo by Valerie Johnson.“In doing so, we act. We take. We eat. We drink. We promise. We commit. We renew.”“It is a lifetime of correct decisions that make it possible for you and me to endure to the end. The scriptures are clear that the promised blessing of eternal life is contingent upon our enduring, in persevering, in living our lives with grit, commitment, and determination.”“What is the condition of your heart?” Sister Kusch asked. “Is it soft, so the Lord can teach and mold you, so He can help you? Or is it not? Are you compassionate, submissive, and willing, or are your tendencies more to being jealous, willful, and rebellious?”<b>Partake</b>Sister Kusch also asked the audience to consider the results of having a softened heart. Those benefits include being more believing, feeling the influence of the Holy Ghost and the Savior, and experiencing greater peace.When LDS Business College President Bruce Kusch was a mission president, one of his sister missionaries came to a gathering with a worn-out shoe that was duct-taped together.The Book of Mormon has over 40 invitations for us to “come unto Christ,” President Kusch said. Such admonitions suggest action, willingness, and humility. This process is not a “one-time event” but a “journey of a lifetime” as we come to accept the Savior’s teachings and become better disciples.“Here is my invitation: Do something today to increase your faith. Do something today that will yield a changed heart.”Despite these necessary steps, President Kusch made one final distinction:
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/09/350-lds-business-college-president-and-sister-kusch-speak-on-how_3.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> LDS Business College President Bruce C. Kusch speaks during a devotional in the Conference Center Theater on January 8, 2019. Photo by Valerie Johnson.</p>
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<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2019/01/09/350-lds-business-college-president-and-sister-kusch-speak-on-how_5.jpg" alt="" style="" class=""/>
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<p class="margin-top-xs" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(118, 118, 118);"> President Bruce C. Kusch, president of LDS Business College, and his wife, Sister Sister Alynda Kusch, greet students as they arrive for an LDS Business College devotional held in the Conference Center Theater on January 8, 2019.<br/>
Photo by Valerie Johnson.</p>
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Stating that having a hardened heart is a learned behavior, Sister Kusch gave the first steps toward changing one’s heart—praying, listening to the prophet, and being obedient to the commandments.<b>Endure</b><b>A mighty change of heart</b>While these changes may seem intimidating, Sister Kusch suggested making small changes each day rather than seeking immediate perfection.While his wife focused her remarks on the state of the heart, President Kusch offered four of his own “whole-soul” invitations: come, partake, offer, endure.“Brothers and sisters, where you and I are on this continuum is probably not as important as how you and I feel about where we are and if we are making progress toward being a ‘whole-soul’ Latter-day Saint.”Explaining how her sister underwent reconstructive heart surgery at a young age to repair a pulmonary valve, Sister Kusch told the audience that they too could figuratively experience a mighty change of heart.<b>Come</b> President Bruce C. Kusch, president of LDS Business College, and his wife, Sister Sister Alynda Kusch, greet a student as he arrives for an LDS Business College devotional held in the Conference Center Theater on January 8, 2019. Photo by Valerie Johnson.“For Sister Hoffman, those shoes represented who she was as a missionary. … She was offering her whole ‘sole’ as an offering and doing everything she could to make sure that those shoes endured to the end,” President Kusch said to LDSBC students gathered in the Conference Center Little Theater.<b>Offer</b> LDS Business College President Bruce C. Kusch speaks during an LDSBC devotional held in the Conference Center Theater on January 8, 2019. Photo by Valerie Johnson.By accepting the invitation to offer our souls unto Christ, our role “transitions from partaker to giver,” President Kusch said. A photo of Sister Alynda Kusch and her sister is displayed as Sister Kusch speaks during the LDS Business College devotional in the Conference Center Theater on January 8, 2019. Photo by Valerie Johnson.</p>
https://www.lds.org/church/news/ldsbc-devotional-focuses-on-becoming-whole-soul-latter-day-saints?lang=eng#2357090425Thu, 10 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
Free Family History Library Classes and Webinars for January 2019
https://www.lds.org/church/news/free-family-history-library-classes-and-webinars-for-january-2019?lang=eng
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<p>The FamilySearch Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, has announced its free family history classes and webinars for January 2019. </p>
<p>The focus of instruction this month will be on beginners. Learn how to use the powerful, free resources of FamilySearch.org and cool tips and tricks (both in English and Spanish) to help expand your family tree. Participants can attend in person or online. See the calendar below for the complete list of classes. No registration is required.</p>
<p>If you are unable to attend a class in person or online, most sessions are recorded and can be viewed later online at your convenience at <a href="http://bit.ly/2mBC2eX">Family History Library classes and webinars</a>. Online classes are noted on the schedule as webinars. Webinar attendees need to click the link next to the class title at the scheduled date and time to attend the class online. Those attending in person simply go to the room noted. Invite your family and friends. All classes are in mountain daylight time (MDT).</p>
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<p align="center"><strong>DATE / TIME</strong></p>
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<p align="center"><strong>CLASS</strong></p>
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<p align="center"><strong>WEBINAR | ROOM</strong></p>
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<p align="center">Tuesday, January 8<br/>
10:00 a.m. MDT</p>
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<p align="center">Overview of FamilySearch (Beginner)</p>
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<p align="center"><a href="http://ldschurch1.adobeconnect.com/fhlwebinars">Webinar</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2kclFHt">Main Lab</a></p>
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<p align="center">Tuesday,<br/>
January 15<br/>
10:00 a.m. MDT</p>
</td><td>
<p align="center">Navigating, Adding, and Editing, Standardization of Dates and Places on Family Tree (Beginner)</p>
</td><td>
<p align="center"><a href="http://ldschurch1.adobeconnect.com/fhlwebinars">Webinar</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2kclFHt">Main Lab</a></p>
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<p align="center">Saturday, January 19<br/>
1:00 p.m. MDT</p>
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<p align="center">Una vista general de FamilySearch (Beginner)</p>
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<p align="center"><a href="http://ldschurch1.adobeconnect.com/fhl-esp">Webinar</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2kclFHt">Main Lab</a></p>
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<p align="center">Tuesday, January 22<br/>
10:00 a.m. MDT</p>
</td><td>
<p align="center">Tips and Tricks for Finding Elusive Records on FamilySearch (Beginner)</p>
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<p align="center"><a href="http://ldschurch1.adobeconnect.com/fhlwebinars">Webinar</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2kclFHt">Main Lab</a></p>
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<p align="center">Tuesday, January 29<br/>
10:00 a.m. MDT</p>
</td><td>
<p align="center">Research Help and Searching Records on Family Tree (Beginner)</p>
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<p align="center"><a href="http://ldschurch1.adobeconnect.com/fhlwebinars">Webinar</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2kclFHt">Main Lab</a></p>
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https://www.lds.org/church/news/free-family-history-library-classes-and-webinars-for-january-2019?lang=eng#191713854Tue, 8 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0700
President Nelson Traveled to 16 Nations and Territories during First Year as Prophet
https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-nelson-traveled-to-16-nations-and-territories-during-first-year-as-prophet?lang=eng
<p>• <b>Traveling with</b> Sister Nelson, Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Sister Kathy Andersen• <b>Meetings in</b> Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Calgary, Alberta, Canada; and Raymond, Alberta, Canada <br/>
<img src="/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2018/04/23/580-london-nairobi-demonstrate-different-face-of-lds-church-duri_34.jpg" alt="" style="width: 580px; height: 299px;" class=""/> President Russell M. Nelson and Sister Wendy Nelson greet Mercy Makau and her daughter Gloria Nashipai at the home of Makau's aunt in Nairobi, Kenya, on Monday, April 16, 2018. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News.Less than a month later, President Nelson was on the road again—this time to the Caribbean.Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who accompanied President Nelson on his first trip in April, said the symbolism of that tour—which carries over to subsequent travels—is “so that the whole world, the whole Church, would know that their prophet cares about them.” <span>Sergio Rubin, Argentine journalist and biographer of Pope Francis, interviews President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Montevideo, Uruguay, on October 26, 2018. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.</span>
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